subject: Career Change-dealing With The Naysayers In Your Life [print this page] There are a lot of motivational books out there that suggest making your plans and goals known to others, with the reason being you will be more likely to follow through when you know others are keeping tabs on you. I agree with this suggestion when it comes to certain things, but I also know this approach can backfire on you depending on who you tell.
Our loved ones want the best for us, but they may not know or understand where we are in our lives and what we want to achieve. There are those who are positive thinkers and those who are negative thinkers, also known as naysayers. There are those people in our lives who are great listeners and very supportive and there are those who are not. There are also those who think they know just about everything, as well as know what's best for everyone around them, including you!
When it comes to how to preparing yourself for this potential stumbling block, the key is as simple as writing a letter to yourself at the very start of your new career plans, during a time when you are highly motivated. Include a strong pep talk in the letter along with all the reasons you are pursuing your new career plans, and remind yourself that it does not matter what others think, only what you think and want for yourself. By creating such a letter and having it available, you can read it anytime you feel yourself affected by someone's negative comments.
Another way to counteract the negativity of others is to come up with some motivational statements that are very meaningful to you. You can keep a copy of them in your purse, post them on the fridge, keep them in your car, and even tape them to the bathroom mirror. The key is to have them handy wherever you go so that whenever you encounter something negative, you can read them and remind yourself of what's important to you.
I personally use this one A LOT. When I'm out walking my dog in the morning I repeat these, and other success mantras to myself in my head. I can tell you that this helps to put pep in my step.
Although our friends and family usually mean well, sometimes their advice, suggestions and opinions can do us more harm than good. Regardless of their good intentions, they are still naysayers and their negativity can trip you up by causing you to doubt yourself and the plans you have made. So beware of this, prepare for it, and be careful with whom you share your new career plans.
