Do you have a goal or a dream that seems unrealistic? Have you ever been told, “You are not young enough, rich enough or smart enough? Do people list all the reasons why it won’t work instead of the reasons why it will? Well, cover your ears! Listening to negative talk can do more damage than you think.
Imagine for a moment if Gandhi, Martin Luther King or Mother Theresa listened to other people and gave up on their dreams. Your ideas live and die in your thoughts. If you believe you can, you will. If you believe it is impossible, it will be. If you listen to naysayers and negativity, it will cause you to second guess yourself and most likely find something easier to do. You will always wonder what you could have been. You will live your life with regrets.
When people are speaking negatively to you, they are projecting their fears and insecurities onto you. Many times this “sky is falling” mentality comes from people who are closest to you – family, friends and co-workers. Because of your relationship, you trust their opinion and you listen to them instead of yourself. You can still love and respect them without following their advice.
How to TUNE OUT Negative Conversations
* Write positive statements about your goal. Say them in your head or out loud when you hear a negative comment.
*Create a vision statement for your goal. Use it to remind yourself why you have the goal in the first place
*When someone is “warning” you about possible pitfalls and risks associated with your goal, they may genuinely be trying to help you. But remember, they are projecting their fears and insecurities on you. They do not see your vision like you do. Thank them for sharing and get back to work.
*MOST IMORTANT: Have a plan for your dream. A solid, strategic plan that covers all the bases. It also needs to include strategies for breakdowns and challenges. When you have a well-thought-out plan, you will be unshakable and be able to stay focused on the prize.
*If you get information that is valuable and needs to be considered in your plan, handle it strategically. Review your plan with the new information in mind. Do additional research before making a decision. Look for solutions before exit strategies.
The truth is that your dream was put inside you for a reason. If you are passionate about something that you cannot go a day without thinking about….DO IT. Do it regardless of what anyone says.
Next time someone tells you to live in reality, just tell them…..“My dreams are my reality!”
