Dealing with "no"

Over the short life of this blog, I have been singing the praises of daring to do something amazing. Pursuing your great idea, or just daring to try something a little different. I realized that the implication of the last couple days may be seen as "just try - after that its easy." Not so much the case. Regardless of your dream, a lot of people will say "no."

Change is hard. The status quo will exert tremendous pressure to maintain itself. Some people will be very polite in their "no". Some will be condescending, as if to say "you just don't understand..." others will be just plain mean.

So how do you deal with the negativity and doubt that is thrown at you and your great idea? It is really easy to get sucked in, and to start believing that maybe that idea isn't so great after all. When that happens, it is a really good time to take a little reality check. Take some time. Take a step back and look at the feedback and your reaction to it. Are there some real issues that were brought up? If so, start working your way through them. Keep in mind that not all "negative" feedback is actually negative. I guarantee that there will be some rocks hidden just below the surface of even the best idea.

Keep in mind that "no" isn't about YOU. It may be about the idea, it may be about the audience's in-ability to wrap their heads around your idea - but it is NOT about you. You will have to work at keeping distance between "you" and the "no." Attaching the negative response to yourself creates a spiral that is really hard to get out of - all of the sudden it becomes about ME being wrong, or ME not being smart enough, or them not liking ME - and that is not it at all. Just keep firmly in mind that the issue may be either the idea or the audience, but it is never, ever about you personally.

Easier said than done, I know - BELIEVE me I know - but forge ahead. It will be worth the effort.