Many years ago I wrote a poem about critics and one of the stanzas went something like this:
“Critics critics there are many, but you will never see statues of any.”
People who have great success are just like you--seemingly ordinary people--but they have developed a strong and unwavering conviction and expectation that they will achieve their visions.
Imagine if Michael Jordan had quit when he was cut from his high school team? Or Stephen King, the bestselling author, who's first novel was rejected by 30 publishers--what if he threw in the towel before becoming what he is today?
What makes these people different is their ability to ignore critics. You have to have strong belief in yourself and what you are doing.
As I mention in my book "Water the Bamboo," your beliefs operate like an on/off switch. When the switch is on, you ignore critics and work to achieve your goals; and when it's off, you take in every word a critic says and don’t even try.
“Beliefs command the mind into action or inaction. ”
When the critics come around (oh, and they will) or if you begin doubting yourself, focus on these five ideas to help you stay focused and ignore your critics.
Create a Vivid Bamboo Vision. Create a clear vision of what you want can keep your belief strong and focus on positive actions to make it happen.
Act as if you will succeed. With practice, this habit can become a real belief over time. It may feel awkward at first, but over time it will become natural and genuine.
Practice encouraging and supporting others. The next time someone on your team or in your family puts forth a new idea, make it a rule not to discuss why it won't work; instead, commit to fully exploring all the ways it can work.
Retrain your brain with positive affirmations each morning - e.g., "I believe I will succeed."
Learn from others' successes. Read inspirational stories, quotes, biographies, and find mentors who have done what you want to do.
Do these five things, and the critics will fade into the background.
Bonus: Tell your critics to: “MIND THEIR OWN BAMBOO!”
What could you accomplish right now if you stopped listening to critics?