Cut Ties, Filter and Keep Building
Many people like to gather everyone's opinion so that they can feel more comfortable about the decisions they make. I think this is normal and many of us do it, myself included. However, you have to be careful of soliciting too many opinions and of course making sure those opinions are from people who ultimately have your best interest at heart.
Recently, I made a conscious decision on a business direction I have decided to go for in 2006. It involves a fair amount of risk and a whole of lot gumption and will require a significant amount of support from those that I know. The problem? It is a completely new strategy and I believe cutting edge and nay sayers are out in force.
I have literally been blown over by the amount of negativity that some of these folks have showed me. It's not that my idea is a bad one, even they will admit to that, but its as if someone put up the little scrolling line on CNN calling everyone to action. I think it goes something like this....Great Idea just announced...must poo poo it. Nay sayers man your stations!
Honestly I am not bitter and to be fair, I had solicited many of these people's opinions early on. I am just surprised how negative they became when I decided once and for all I wanted to move forward. I really think its almost laughable at least in my case but I wonder how many people take the comments, the belittling and negativity to heart. How many people let the negative nay sayers squash a perfectly good opportunity or dream?
Don't misunderstand me, I think everyone is entitled to their opinion. However, some people love to pour on a negative opinion when they get the chance and that's really unfortunate. So what do I suggest you do about it? Well...good question.
1. Take a look at the people that you enlist for advice and opinions. Do you they honestly support you and provide you support when you need them. If they seemingly shoot holes in everything (even the ideas you know that are great), cut them loose. Just don't ask them.
2. Use filters. You know what they say about opinions...They are sort of like waste depositors...everyone has one. That said, even some people that aren't necessarily qualified as nay-sayer material but lean way close to negative often have a point of view worth considering. Take the little bits from all of the advice and opinions and weigh that against what you are already know. Filter the good things and deposit or outright ignore the bad. I have had to get really good at filtering some of what I let get through these two misshaped ears of mine but when I did, life got a whole lot easier.
3.
(but don't just tell you what you want to hear) and put them to the test. Some will pass and some will fail but continually adding to your knowledge and resource network can only stand to benefit you. Especially in times of major frustration, change or eleventh hour decision making.
No matter what you do, remember, no one can replace your ability to think for yourself. At the end of the day you are your own worst critic AND supporter!!!
Ripple On My Friends!!!
