Immunity To Criticism (laugh & learn)
I’m traveling to Panama today (over 7 hours of flying plus a 3 hour layover), so I only have time for a quick lesson. But you should also get a laugh from this…
Now as I’ve mentioned before, you need to have “immunity to criticism”, especially as you get more successful.
Every so often an anonymous person will post something nasty about you on your blog, or send you a mean spirited email.
You can’t let it bother you.
In fact, you need to turn those sour grapes into a 2007 Chappellet Signature Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
For example, I’ve received my share of anonymous insults on my blog since 2003, and instead of getting upset about it, I’m going to share three of my favorites to make you laugh.
#3 – “You shouldn’t be as famous as you are.”
Someone (surprisingly “anonymous”) wrote this on my blog a couple of years ago.
Perhaps a jealous trainer? Who knows. Doesn’t matter.
But you know why I’m as famous as I am?
The answer isn’t any magic secret or genetic gift…
It’s simply because I do a LOT of work, produce a lot of products, write a ton of articles, and I work extremely hard to bring a unique and remarkable perspective to my content.
That’s my secret of success, and maybe why I deserve to be as famous as I am.
If that trainer was simply willing to work as hard as me, they could be famous too.
#2 – “You and your dog are pathetic.”
Oooooooh, now that’s a low blow, huh? Calling me pathetic, that’s fine, but dragging my dog into it? Uncalled for!
That’s what you can expect from the world’s finest “anonymous” blog readers. So be prepared.
Oh, and it gets worse/funnier!
#1 Insult Given to Me on my Blog is…
“You’re a skinny balding runt.”
Ha! Classic.
(Side note…that was written back in 2007, and I must say, my hair has held up pretty well…or I’ve at least gotten better at hiding my receding hair line…oh, and thanks to my metabolism and workouts, I still get to eat pretty much whatever I want…so score one for
the skinny balding runt!)
Again, this classy comment comes from “anonymous”.
Who knows, maybe it was the same person all three times?
But listen, don’t cry for me (and don’t be secretly laughing too hard either – I can hear you!). But seriously, I’m not hurting over here.
However, these insults raise an extremely important point.
One day, your sheltered little life is going to be turned upside down by someone on the internet who has never met you, nor knows any thing about you, and they are going to insult you.
How you respond to these insults is likely a good indicator of your potential for success.
If you get upset and fire back with an insult of your own, then I’m worried you’re going to struggle.
But if you accept the insult for what it is – an ignorant comment from someone who would probably be nice to you if they actually met you in person, then you’ll do just fine because you realize you have better things to do than get in arguments on the interwebz.
When it comes to time spent on your business (including in customer service and on your blog), always remember this question from the legendary Dan Kennedy:
“Where’s the profit in this?”
Trust me, there’s no profit in arguing with someone online.
So when this happens, close your laptop and go outside for a walk.
You’ll realize that no one in the “real world” hates you or would think to insult you in public…
…so then you can go back home and get to work on what’s important.
Or if you have a “pathetic” lil’ doggy like I do, just go feed him some treats and think about what really matters (Hint: What a stranger says about you online is NOT what matters).
Full Disclosure: Sometimes I write things as much for me as I do for you, and I’m pretty sure today is one of those times.
Keep pushing on,
Craig Ballantyne
“Your reputation is harmed the most by what you say to defend it.”
– Nassim Nicholas Taleb