Dealing with “Haters”

This will be short and sweet. Today we address “Haters” and the general criticism of others.

“Nevermind what haters say, ignore them till they fade away!” – Profound wisdom from that T.I. and Rihanna song!

Here's the gist:

People doing things do not have time to complain about others.

They don’t have the bandwidth, let alone the interest. They are too busy living out their mission, their purpose, their calling. They cannot hear the words of others because their own inner monologue is too loud. Their purpose is their immune system, fending off the word viruses of the noisy crowd.

Criticism only comes from the bottom up. People criticize those they perceive to be doing better than they are: professional athletes, singers, that wealthy guy down the street, etc.

Criticism rarely, rarely comes from top down.

I’ve never met a successful person who criticized the less successful. It’s generally the opposite. The better someone is doing, the more supportive they are of other’s dreams. Every successful person I’ve ever met has rooted for my success, showing encouragement, guidance, and genuine hope for my achievement.

People doing well want other people to do well.

The “hater” hates an aspect of themselves, and that disgust overflows into objects of their attention. People unhappy with their lot in life will project their dissatisfaction for their own lives onto you. This says nothing about you, and everything about them.

There’s a general rule in financial education: Do not take financial advice from those worse off than you. Echoing this sentiment, do not take life advice from those less fulfilled than you.

Life is a single player game. Each of us is presented with a unique solution/problem/opportunity in reconciling our own being. With endless personal variables unknown to our peers, we are very much as Huxley put it, “island universes.”

The “haters” are stuck on their own island, yelling across the ocean at you, telling you what’s wrong with yours. It’s silly, wasting their resources so. Pay them no mind. Like Odysseus, plug your ears when the sirens sing their songs.

Live your life. Speak your truth. Go do difficult things that you find meaningful. And support everyone you know who is doing the same.

Your support of others will reveal your success,
Chris Matakas