At least once in your life, you have probably encountered a NAYSAYER.
You know, that person who may tell you that your idea won’t work, or the friend or family member who tells you that you can’t do something. Sometimes, the naysayer is a perfect stranger who can’t live on without telling you their opinion.
Then there is the PESSIMIST.
Ah, the great and wonderful pessimists. These are the folks who will burst your bubble and even encourage you to give up because they do not believe your efforts will be worthwhile. Maybe their pessimism is the result of envy. Pessimists will give every reason for you to give up and go another way, and usually will not offer any suggestions about how to successfully reach your goal.
When encountering pessimists or naysayers, it is important to remember that if you have a vision and a goal… you should absolutely stick with that vision. You must work to make it happen. Only YOU can make your dreams a reality.
Here are some ways to deal with a pessimist or naysayer:
That is a dumb idea.
“Thanks but I think it’s an alternative concept.”
That is never going to work!
“Do you have suggestions on how you think I CAN make it work?” or “I am going to do my best to make it work.”
Don’t waste your time.
“I disagree. I believe not trying would be a waste of time.”
But you’ve never done this before!
“Yes, and everyone has to do at least ONE thing for the first time. It’s an opportunity to learn something new.”
That’s way too complicated.
“Yes, it’s challenging, but I’m looking at it from different angles to see it more clearly.”
You don’t have the resources or means to do that!
“Necessity is the mother of invention.” or “Where there is a will, there is a way.”
You don’t have enough time.
“I guess I’ll just re-evaluate my priorities.” or “I will make the time.”
But you don’t know how to do that.
“I will learn how to do it.” or “I will try and find people who may be willing to help.”
It’s not good enough.
“There is always room for improvement.”
That is way too risky.
“I’m going to take a chance and see where it leads.”
You aren’t going to get any better at this.
“I think I will give this one more try.”