Ignore The Noise

When you first set out to accomplish anything significant in life...

People are going to have something to say about it.

Normally, the talk track goes something like this...

"I think you're in over your head."

"You need to be more realistic."

"You'll never be able to do that."

How do I know?

Because I got all the same comments when I went out to pursue my dreams.

Except the comments I received were slightly different.

When I opened my first retail store, and years into the business as well...

I'd regularly get comments like these...

"Hey Andy, you still wasting your time in that little vitamin shop?"

"When are you going to get a real job?"

"You'll never make it in business."

Not to rub it in ... but now I own a 9-figure business.

I'd say I'm doing pretty well for myself.

But had I not learned to ignore the noise...

I wouldn't be anywhere close to where I'm at today.

If you truly want to be successful in life...

You have to learn and implement the skill of tuning out the noise too.

Otherwise, the thoughts and opinions of mediocre people will infect every last one of your goals and dreams.

What Does it Mean to Ignore the Noise?

Allow me to be very clear...

When I say ignore the noise ... I'm not telling you to cancel, cut out, or push away anyone who discourages your goals and dreams...

What I'm saying is you shouldn't listen to their comments or criticism.

Instead, you need to ignore it, and channel all of your effort and energy into productive action to reach your goals.

On the other hand, you don't have an obligation to them either.

So if these people truly don't serve you...

You don't have to continue to pursue or maintain a relationship with them.

You have to understand that most of the people who are going to voice their opinion to you have a very limited perspective when it comes to achievement.

Just look at their lives...

Your friends...

Your parents...

Your teachers...

Your co-workers...

Are they living the life that you truly want in your heart?

My guess is they aren't.

So you can't blame them for not understanding why you want more out of life.

They are unable to see outside the box of what's been possible in their own lives.

Most of the time, they say these things to you to protect you from failure or disappointment.

Some of them will even say these things to protect their own ego...

Your goals, visions, and dreams can be very intimidating to people who haven't accomplished half of what you want to accomplish.

There will also be a group of people who encourage your goals and dreams.

Sometimes, you'll also have people offer you constructive criticism to help you improve and reach your goals.

That's why it's important that you learn the difference between constructive criticism and hate.

Constructive Criticism Vs Hate

Not all of the comments and criticism you'll receive is actually coming from a place of hate.

In fact, most of it doesn't.

There will be times when you receive criticism that you should listen to because it can help you achieve your goals and dreams.

Here's my advice...

Use heavy discernment when it comes to who you listen to.

If the person giving you criticism is not someone who is living a life that you'd want for yourself...

Don't listen.

If they are...

It may be in your best interests to hear them out.

It's not hard to tell the difference between the people who are genuinely trying to help vs the people who want to keep you where you're at to protect their ego.

...and knowing the difference is a crucial skill to master.

Believe it or not ... all criticism, good and bad, can be used to your advantage.

Here’s how…

Using Criticism To Your Advantage

It goes without saying that constructive criticism can be implemented as given.

But what about negative comments and hate?

The truth is, the negative comments can be just as useful as the constructive ones.

Every single time I’ve been told I can’t…

Every single time I’ve been called crazy or stupid…

Every single time I’ve been laughed at…

I make note of it ... and use the negativity to fuel productive action.

You should too.

If it weren’t for everyone who bet against me…

I truly don’t think I’d be anywhere near as successful as I am today.

Negativity from others is a powerful and underrated source of motivation that you can use to get through even your darkest days and moments.

Plus, there is nothing better than serving up an ice cold glass of "I told you so" to the morons in the peanut gallery.

Trust me on that.

Ignore the Noise: Action Steps

Are you really going to let someone’s opinion keep you from pursuing greatness?

I refuse to.

You should as well.

What you’re capable of comes down to your effort, execution, and commitment to the process.

Nobody can stand in your way unless you let them.

Here's what you need to do:

1. Ignore the noise.

2. Harness the negativity.

3. Then go out and build a life that proves them wrong without having to say a word.

That’s what champions do.

If you want to learn more about how to reach your biggest goals and dreams in life, tune into my podcast, REAL AF.