Turning Negative People into Positive Results

This Article is in response to Guy Kawasaki’s Blog Post How Not to Choke. Guy Kawasaki is the Managing Director of Garage Technology Ventures and is one of the most respected Entrepreneurs on the internet.

In his blog, which I frequent, his most recent article was regarding negative people attacking your Venture and you as an Entrepreneur, the negative effects it can have on you, and how to get around it.

 His points stressed on ignoring and avoiding these types of people but I would like to elaborate even further.

 There is a saying, “Our critics are our friends. They point out our flaws,” which is very applicable to this situation. Critics, though some can be mean and nasty about their criticism can actually help your progress if you let them.

There are some that want you to fail. For whatever reason, be it their own failure or just how they were raised, they will put you down for whatever you do. These people are not easy to avoid so if you cannot, take a more aggressive approach and take their advice with a teaspoon of salt.

Regardless of how mean and nasty, hateful and unprepared, their statements might be, thank them for it. Be the bigger man (or woman) you are and take it in full force. The negative effects it has on you is from accepting their words as truth. Never accept words as truth. Even Compliments.

Instead you can take their words and think about them to help yourself. Behind every “That Idea Sucks” is something to consider, but not necessarily believe. Cut out all the foul words and mannerism and take their advice down to any logic they may have. This then can be used to help yourself and prove them wrong!

Next time you are facing criticism, try to take it all in, thank the rude obnoxious person, and then analyze what could actually be true in the statement. Throw out all the rest and you have yourself a good way to improve yourself. 

Read my review of Guy’s book ‘The Art of The Start’ Here.