Nothing is quite as disheartening as having unsupportive people in your life, especially when you decide to venture into a new business or a business people are sceptical about; be it your husband, wife, parents, siblings, children, or even close friends. These are the people you turn to for moral support and encouragement, and sometimes, unfortunately, they can be the very ones who end up being the loudest voice of dissent.
Take a leap of faith for yourself and the business that you are embarking on. The road ahead may seem lonely without your loved ones by your side, but there comes a point in life where you have to put your foot down and tell the naysayers that you are going forth with your plans!
In fact, throughout history, many of the world’s most famous and successful people have first been rejected or even heavily criticised before finding success. In the end, we all need to learn how to overcome criticism, stay focused on our goals, and keep moving forward.
If you feel as if you are down in the gutter because of the negativity you are facing, here are 3 tips on how to deal with negative people, lift your spirits, and handle criticism in #qnetpro fashion.
How Do You Handle Criticism?
Hold On To Your Passion
There are many people in this world who go through the motions of life without any love for what they are doing. Do you really want to be part of that statistic?
If you feel passionate about the venture and have the means to follow through with it, take the time to explain direct selling – both the realistic advantages and disadvantages – to your friends and family. This can help them gain a better understanding of your decision and address any questions they may have about the industry. Remind your critics that you have one lifetime to accomplish your dreams, and invite them play a positive role by being a source of encouragement and support. Either way, it is time to stop living your life to other people’s expectations.
Understand That Unsupportiveness Could Be Due To Fear Of Change
Often, when your loved ones are not being totally supportive of your venture, it has nothing to do with your abilities, but rather, it is a reflection of their innate fears. Whether it is fear of the unknown or just fear of change, the idea that the role you play in their life all these years can change can be very frightening to them.
The best way forward is to take the time to have an open and honest discussion with your loved ones to put their fears to rest. Explain the reality of network marketing, as you may discover that they have certain concerns or misconceptions that you have overlooked. By having an open conversation, you can help them better understand your decision and support your journey.
Don’t Argue, Exercise Patience Instead
One skill you need to have is the ability to overcome criticism.
If you are leaving a high-paying job, transitioning out of your current career or venturing into a completely unrelated field, it can be a source of utter confusion for your loved ones, and you may end up being unfairly judged for your choices.
In case you find yourself in this situation, do not start arguing and shouting just to prove a point. Chances are, your relatives are already having a hard time seeing things from your perspective, and some may even refuse to accept your point of view. Getting into a confrontational verbal battle is just going to make them even more defensive. Remember point 2, most people fear the unknown and will end up projecting their fears on you.
If your loved ones are being stubborn, no matter how much energy and frustration you pour out, you will not be able to change their minds overnight. Instead, articulate your desire in a language they will understand and share the vision you have of your business and assure them that you will be responsible for your decisions.
Ultimately, handling criticism requires patience and focus. Pour your energy into making your new business a success. Your accomplishments should speak for themselves, and it is your best weapon against the cynics in your life.
This article was originally published on 31 August 2016 and has been updated for relevance.
