Block Out The Noise

Whenever you make the decision to put yourself out there, in any capacity, you will inevitably have a conversation with yourself at some stage where you begin to doubt yourself and ask “what if this doesn’t work?”, “what will people think”, “what if i’m not good enough”.

As you pursue a path less trodden, you may also become vulnerable and more susceptible to feedback and comments fuelled by the objective of breaking your spirit. It isn’t a normal thing to actively pursue something great or to dream big and act upon it. Particularly in Australia, we love to celebrate those who fly under the radar and blend in with the masses. We cut down the tall poppies that stand out amongst the rest. Although this may be intended to encourage being humble and having humility, it can sometimes go too far, to the extent that many people become too afraid to put themselves out there in the first place at all.

So how do we overcome this? How do we block out the internal and external noise?

It comes down to self-confidence, self-belief and the ability to stand tall amongst the rest with pride.

Below are some tips from some people who have been there before and come out the other side.

“Be happy. It really annoys negative people.” – Ricky Gervais

 Quite often, negative comments and attitudes come from an insecure place within. Showcasing your happiness is the best response to anyone trying to bring you down. At the end of the day, being happy is the goal for us all right? If you’re happy, you’re winning. Simple as that.

“Focus on an ocean of positives, not a puddle of negatives.” ― Kevin Ansbro

 Negatives weigh on us much more than positives for some bizarre reason. One bad moment or interaction can completely offset a great day. As humans, we tend to focus more on negatives and let them cast a cloud over us, distracting from the positives that are all around. Keep a level head, and focus on the ocean, not the muddy puddle on the shore.

“Everything negative — pressure, challenges — are all an opportunity for me to rise.” – Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant is a great example of using negativity and pressure as a source of strength and motivation to rise above and prove everyone wrong. Let it fuel you.

“Surround yourself with loving, caring, happy people and get rid of the negative people that drag you down.” – Heather Rose

Australian author, Heather Rose, reminds us of a very important fact…you are the company you keep! If you surround yourself with happy, supportive people, this will rub off on you and positively impact your life. If those you consider close to you are the ones bringing you down, perhaps it’s worth letting them know it impacts you or simply distance yourself from that negative energy if its standing in the way of you achieving your goals.

“If you accept the expectations of others, especially negative ones, then you’ll never change the outcome.”– Michael Jordan

 Block it out and swim in your own lane. Refuse to accept negative opinions and expectations of you and keep your focus.

Take comfort in knowing everyone who you look up to, whether it be an athlete, artist, or any role model you may have, has at some point in their life encountered negativity and people who don’t believe in them.

What makes them great and remembered however, is the fact they were able to smile in the face of negativity and carry on;

not necessarily unbothered, but certainly unaffected.