How To Respond To Negativity

Being on the internet, I get comments on my appearance.

Or, the odd Instagram DM about how my content is egotistical and intentionally covers up the truth.

(I do my best, trust me guys!)

So, here's a collection of behaviours I've identified that've helped me be cope with negative responses.

Context: Build Yourself First

The ability to have self-esteem and self-worth can only be created by working on yourself.

I want to say that first before we go onto my listed behaviours.

If I was an isolated, fat, unemployed, alcoholic, porn-addicted, drug user these behaviours mean nothing compared to the leverage of addressing these vices.

You got to give yourself evidence for why you should be happy.

(That's why gratitude journalling is such an effective boost in morale because you physically see the written reasons for why you are happy.)

And remember like anything, you don't have to be at the destination to be happy.

Usually the journey itself will suffice.

Smile :)

I'm human. Of course my heart drops when I read these negative comments.

While I read, I will smile.

Smiling is my greatest coping mechanism.

It help alleviates the mood. Rather than sitting in my own self pity, I can look outside of myself to the absurdity before me.

(I will admit, this habit can be badly interpreted. I remember a friend noting I was smiling when I broke the news that my mother had cancer.)

"If you can be in a bad mood for no reason. You can be in a good mood for no reason." – Alex Hormozi

"You Should Make A Sense Of Humour Your Default Emotion"

Matthew McConaughey was recently on a podcast with Chris Williamson.

He mentioned,

"Wouldn't the world be a better place... if the default emotion, if you're not sure how to react [is laughing]"

With my personality, I find it easy to laugh at things. To an extent where I'm the only one laughing in interactions.

Laughter and humour can diffuse the tension of a situation. Even if it's with yourself.

Agree With Them

"You're right."

I think this is the last thing your criticisers want to hear. I usually visualise this to them by the thumbs up emoji.

Person: [Insert paragraph of negativity]
Me: 👍

Instead of having an open loop of negativity, have the initiative to close it. For what is the point of criticism?

The good kind is meant for betterment. To strive for higher purpose of good.

Want to test if the validity of their criticism?

"Okay, and...?"

Drag out their train of thought, and you might find there's very little to their reasoning.

Response, Or No Response

Feeling sorry for yourself does no good.

The nature of being on the internet (or even existing?) is someone will have a problem with you.

If you're first response to hate is a form of positivity, I think you'll be a happier person overall.

That is the correct response, I think.

Hate on hate will have no resolve.

BONUS: How An Entrepreneur & Investor Deals With Negativity

If you're someone who puts themselves on the internet, Alex's YouTube video is a great watch for dealing with negativity on the internet.