3. Stop expecting (and needing) them to like you.

You might feel unwanted and unworthy to one person, but you are priceless to another. Don’t ever forget your worth. Spend time with those who value you. No matter how good you are to people, there will always be one negative person who criticizes you. Smile, ignore them, and carry on.

In this crazy world that’s trying to make you like everyone else, the toughest battle you’ll ever have to fight is the battle to be yourself. And as you’re fighting back, not everyone will like you. Sometimes people will call you names because you’re “different.” But that’s perfectly OK. The things that make you different are the things that make YOU, and the right people will love you for it.

This one is hard because nothing can ruin your day like someone unloading critical nastiness at you when you are doing everything you can to help. I’ve heard “don’t take it personally” so much I want to scream. Always keep in mind that the person criticizing you in an unconstructive way is doing so to increase their own feeling of self-worth, albeit in the wrong way. If you remain confident in your abilities, knowledge, self you should let it roll off. Ignore the nasty, focus on the true bits of actual constructive feedback and use it to improve. Then go kick back some margaritas with people who love and respect you for you.

Chris Nichols