Why Having Naysayers Is a Good Thing!

Congratulations you’re on the right track! You got a naysayer who told you why you can’t or shouldn't go after the work you want. Sometimes, they will tell you nicely… “are you sure... you really want to do that (insert dream career here)” or they will tell you in a way where the delivery is hurtful and mean “well your stupid you can’t do what you want”. These people can be some of the closest people in your environment. Family, friends, work colleagues, complete strangers the list goes on. I get it, my dad told me when I wanted to go to university that it was a stupid idea why would you bother doing that.

What I have found, many times is simply the reason why people in your environment say these comments is because they are afraid that you may fail and, they don’t want to see you hurt or they have had their own dreams trampled on by “other well meaning” people in their life etc. The way they talk to you about your dreams is how they internally feel, think and act about what they dream, desire, etc. not very nice is it… remember your getting the PG version too!

If you are going after your dreams, there are going to be naysayers, sorry can't sugarcoat it. On the flip-side there are marvellous people who will support you in getting what you want. They will be the ones to rally you forward when that self-doubt kicks in. When you question your decision. When it gets ‘too hard’ etc.    

It’s about picking who are the right people in your environment to talk to about your dreams. I was once told a story about how there are three kinds of people in life. The ones that will come up the mountain with you. The ones that will watch and cheer you from the bottom of the mountain. One other, the ones who will come halfway up the mountain with you and then try to tear you down. Pick wisely who you share your dream with!

Btw, I got that university degree and a few more pieces for paper (oops qualifications) after that… and my dad couldn’t have been prouder. It’s really quite satisfying when you get to prove the naysayers wrong… just saying :-).  

Katrina

P.S. This post was inspired by a lovely lady who is going through a tough time.