How To Handle Critics and Naysayers

"Pay no attention to what the critics say; no statue has ever been erected to a critic"

- Jean Sibelius

 

Whenever you attempt anything worthwhile, you'll often have more disbelievers than you will have believers. 

 

Whether you decide to transform your business and your team, decide to change careers and pursue your passion, commit to starting a new business venture, choose to become a consultant or interim manager - in fact, do anything big, important or different and you'll often find 3 things happen:

 

a) The people who you thought would support you the most - probably won't (the support often comes from the least expected sources)

 

b)  In fact, you'll probably be mocked, humoured, criticized and whispered about by the very people you thought were your biggest supporters 

 

c) You'll consequently suffer pangs of self-doubt and question yourself, your ideas and your beliefs

 

Will this hurt? 

- Yes

 

Is that a good reason not to attempt anything worthwhile? 

- Hell no! 

 

Don't let the naysayers put you off.  Some of critics knock you because, at a subconscious level, they feel threatened. They don't feel confident enough to do something significant with their own lives or careers - so they do the easy thing instead: take cheap shots at you.  

 

Instead, here are 5 rules to follow: 

 

1.  Develop a thick skin 

 

If you want to achieve big things, make a difference and have no regrets in 20 years' time, expect every Tom, Dick and Harriet to pop out of the woodwork and tell you (or everyone around you) that you're a complete nutter.  That you need to check if the light bulb in your head is still working. 

 

But just remember that at some point in their hugely successful careers, everyone thought Michael Jackson, Richard Branson, Leonardo Da Vinci and Thomas Edison were all nutters too.  They too were criticized, ridiculed and laughed at when attempting something big or new. 

 

Yet between them they've created the most innovative music, business and art in history.  Oh, and also invented the light bulb too!

 

So who's laughing now? 

 

2.  Hold your nerve

 

Your friends and family will tell you that it's a fact: "the economy is just awful", that you're bound to fail just like their friend 'Tommy' who did something similar and fell flat on his face. 

 

Well, you're not Tommy - so stop listening to the noise and stay focused on your goal and what you need to do to make it happen.  And by the way, here's an actual fact: the majority of firms on the current Fortune 500 list began in recessionary times. So don't let the naysayers scare you.

 

3. Keep your eye on the prize

 

Be agile and open to new paths, but don't lose sight of where you're trying to get to.  Don't let the critics and naysayers put you off - stay focused on the goal and why you want to get there.

 

4. Find new friends and new peers

 

The people we hang out with have a huge impact on where we end up. 

 

So if you are looking to make a change and find that your current peer group is overly critical and unsupportive, find new people who are much more on your wavelength. 

 

5. Develop an "I'll show them" attitude

 

If you've ever played team sports (football, netball, cricket etc), you'll know that one of the best ways to deal with critics is to develop a siege mentality - a "screw them - we'll show them!" attitude.

 

The same applies in your career when you're looking to do great things. 

 

Sometimes you've got to just stick two fingers up to people (metaphorically speaking of course), dig your heels in and do what you believe in your heart and soul is the right thing to do. Interestingly when you do start doing the above, you'll often find the critics and naysayers go away and start heckling someone else.

 

Just think how different the music industry would be if Michael Jackson had stopped making music because people called him a wacko? And how different his legacy would today be if it were not for the unique style of music and dance which he created inspite of the critics.

 

Life isn't a popularity contest - and neither is your career. We're here to create waves not a few splashes - so don't let a few critics put you off attempting something you truly believe in. 

Be strong, hold your nerve and stay focused. Even if things don't immediately turn out as planned, you'll have all the lessons, ideas and stories to create your own legacy. Something you don't get by listening to the critics....  

By Sital Ruparelia

Comments

[John from Career Options]

Criticism is unavoidable in your social or professional life..one need to face it...really good tips to tackle it.

[Molly]

Great article Sita. I just had to deal with a naysayer today. It can really knock the wind out of your sails, especially during a recession. I really appreciated your tips. They're practical, and they boost morale.

[Sital]

@John, you're so right. thanks for commenting!

@Molly, So glad it helped. All the best!

[Cande]

You are absolutely right!
The most inmportant is to stay focused and to realise when the rest of the people speaks from their inner weaknesses.
Thank you, great blog.
Candela, from Argentina

[Bob Brabham]

I am 72 years young. That means I have had successes beyond what I could have imagined. And...I have grown and improved every day all this time. So I know why I continue to strive. I am a communicator with
boots on the ground experience . I'm keeping on..pure & simple!

[Winstrol]

Very correct words!!!

[Jordan AJF8]

Great project, and it seems like it had great results.