“Haters.” They are everywhere. Have you ever begun to really feel good about yourself, feel proud of achieving your personal goals only to find out that someone has a problem with you and shows you in hurtful ways? Maybe it’s how you look, your race, the things you do, the way you express yourself.

It is hard, but important, that you rise above the negativity! So how does one move forward in the face of ugliness and negativity? Here’s a tip to keep in mind… the solution to hate starts with you, continues with you, and ends with you! When you address your thinking and beliefs, your understanding, your reactions and your takeaway from hate and haters, you will be able to rise above it and truly change the culture.

Your Outlook On The Situation

• Free Yourself of Judgment. Don’t form an opinion about what these people are saying or doing. This is their internal struggle, and has little to do with you and everything to do with them.

• Meet Them With Compassion. They may potentially be in the midst of their own suffering, which is spawning their criticism. That’s gotta suck. Wish them well.

• Keep Your Eyes Forward. Stay grounded on your path and continue to surround yourself with people who build you up and care about you. Stay away from the haters.

Your Understanding Of the Situation

• Know That You’ve Achieved Something. People rarely waste their time criticizing someone who has achieved very little. So give yourself a pat on the back, as you are obviously doing something that is noteworthy in some way.

• Haters Are Green With Envy. Re-framing your perspective with this likely fact in mind, you will come to the realization that their envy and hatred implies the following: you most certainly possess admirable qualities.

Your Reaction To the Situation

• Forgive Those Who Hate. Forgive these people for spoiling your joy and forgive yourself for reacting poorly when they do. We’re all human. The difference between them and you is that you are growing.

• Let It Roll Off Your Shoulders. You are in control of how you react to derogatory remarks. Although their words may wear you down, you must ignore them.

Your Takeaways From the Situation

• Negative People Will Make You Grow. The only way to meet hatred is with kindness. If you show haters compassion it might not change their perspective, but you will truly grow from it eventually. Additionally, criticism, unlike hatred, can actually be quite constructive.

• They Are Your Success Indicators. If you’ve attracted the attention of people who take pleasure in criticizing you, chances are that you are rocking life. Keep it up!

• Focus On Your Goals. Hate speech can serve as a distraction. Do not allow your goals to suffer because another person decided to try to harm you. Focus on your short- and long-term goals.

• Reach Your Full Potential. Reaching your full potential requires a certain level of self-awareness. You know your strengths and weaknesses. You know what you need to do to realize your dreams. Your on track to realizing your full potential! Just stay there!

• Get to Know Others for Who They Really Are. The more you understand about other's cultures, the more you can open your mind and beliefs. They may even become your friend.

Now, go forth and rise above the hate every day.
You are changing the culture one situation at a time.