She laughed at me. Maybe it was the way I hesitantly asked. Maybe it was what I asked for. She was a bank account manager and I was asking for 4 new checking accounts for my business – in addition to the one I already had. I was implementing the Profit First approach and I guess she saw that request as odd.

She said she was disappointed. It is wasn’t what she expected. She was one out of over 200 sales to message me something like this. I know it wasn’t perfect, but it was needed and I couldn’t wait for perfection to put it out there to help everyone that needed the information. And the positive feedback had been *astounding.*

These two are just TWO examples of being laughed at or criticized as a business owner. It never ends. But you just can’t let it stop you from helping those that need your help.

I receive and share tons of positive reinforcement, but I wanted to take a moment to be real with you – it isn’t always like that. Fortunately, I’ve developed a thicker skin over the years and I don’t let it stop me from showing up and helping my ideal clients and customers. The ones who need to hear what I have to say and share.

Persistence is critical. In order to succeed, you can’t be dissuaded by negativity, eye-rolling, or laughing. You won’t be perfect – give up that dream right. this. minute. But that only means that you’re trying to make a difference. You’re putting yourself out there. You’re giving people a leg up in their lives, you don’t need to give them a whole ladder.

Brene Brown puts it perfectly – “If you are not in the arena also getting
your butt kicked, I’m not interested in your feedback.”

Keep this in mind the next time you come across someone that wants to give you “constructive criticism.” You DON’T have to accept it. You can let it roll off your shoulders. Your way of doing things is JUST FINE. If they want it differently – they can get their own hands dirty and get in the arena.

Right now, people are scared. They’re angry. They’ve got lots of times on their hands. So this is bringing out the best and the worst in them. Be aware of this as you move forward and continue to navigate these rocky waters. Their words are not necessarily even about you, you just happen to be in the way.

Maybe they’re going through job loss, illness, excessive stress – and you’re within firing range. You are not responsible for their actions even though you might be on the receiving end of them.

Keep moving forward. Focusing on your mindset. Growing your audience (maybe with the help of my 4 week Clicks to Clients social media course for dog trainers). Keep on keeping on while protecting your own mindset.

I re-opened my Clicks to Clients course because there’s never been a better time to develop your brand on social media. There have never been more people online at any given time and many of them need your help! Click here to learn more.

Overcoming these challenging times will make you practically bullet proof. Guard your mental space like it is worth more than gold. It could be the determining factor on whether or not you will prosper through this. I guarantee you that you are already your *biggest* critic, don’t let others intimidate you from showing up and building your dream business.

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