How to politely ask others to jam it!
Naysayers of the world beware – we are no longer listening to you.
How often do you read or hear stories of businesses that have succeeded regardless of those who foretold that it was certain to fail?
Similarly, with writing and publishing a book – whether it be external naysayers, or that internal naysayer in your head, you will almost always find people who will tell you that you cannot succeed.
The question you need to ask yourself is – do I really want this to happen? If you do, you will make it happen regardless of the external (and internal) voices that tell you otherwise.
When those naysayers approach you, you need to practice politely telling them to jam it. Yes, even the one in your head.
Some suggested responses could be as follows:
- Thank you for letting me know your opinion on that.
- That is a great point – have you considered writing an article or book about it so that you can share it with others?
- You have raised some really great points there. Would you mind if I get out my pen and paper and take notes?
- So that I can better understand your point of view, would you have a book or article that I could read to digest further?
I think you are getting the gist of things here.
A couple of different scenarios can evolve from this.
Those people that have nothing of value to contribute will quickly shut-up and continue on their merry way.
However, those that have valid information or feedback are the ones you really want to listen to.
They may provide you with some important information that you have not otherwise looked at, and that you should research to assist with writing your book. Or they may provide you with a great resource that you had not previously considered.
Potentially the best outcome, is that your naysayers become your advocates and actually start to support you and ask how they may be able to help. As is often the case, people really want to help, however they are just not sure how they can do it, and perhaps one of these questions may assist in finding a way that they can help you on your journey (and maybe you can help them in their journey?).
Conversely, next time you think about being a naysayer, perhaps you need to ask yourself what you can do to help or support this person. If you can’t do anything, then keep your mouth shut. Or as some might say ‘Shut-up already!’
What do you think?
Will you provide support when others ask about your opinion?
How will you next respond to a naysayer?
Let me know by sending me an email dyan@dyanburgess.com I look forward to seeing your story.
