When you have a dream, you will undoubtedly (no pun) have doubters. Holding yourself accountable to what you really want won’t be easy, but it will force you to dig deep. Staying true to oneself. Always.

Whatever it is that you want to do in this new year – declare it. Tell everyone. One of the scariest things you can do is to admit your goals. What if you fail? 

There is a popular quote currently circulating about social media telling folks to work hard in silence and let your success make the noise, which I agree with. But on other other hand saying your intentions out loud allows the universe and those around you to make them a reality. Now, I’m not talking about being annoyingly arrogant and braggadocios , but being confident in your abilities and not deterred by the insecurities of others projecting onto YOUR dreams. I believe there is always a silver lining, no matter how far deep it may be hidden. Below are 4 ways to actually benefit from naysayers.

1. Doubters make the best motivation
   In his Hall Of Fame speech, Michael Jordan thanked his detractors for the motivation. He credited them for being the driving force behind his legendary work ethic. Now, I am naturally a hard worker, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that sometimes, as cliche as it sounds, my haters are, indeed, my biggest motivators. Thank ya’ll! 
2. Doubters can become powerful allies
   Naysayers are often the byproduct of differences. People can harshly judge ideas or ambitions that are not in line with their own beliefs, opinions, or behavior. If you can bridge the differences to create win-win relationships, skeptics can become strong allies. They’ve already proven they have a voice and they are unafraid to use it — only this time, in your favor.
3. Doubters actually care
   Doubters are not always the obvious “enemy”. Don’t be upset with those who don’t believe in your dreams, because they might be the very people who love you. Oftentimes, it is those who are closest to us that have the loudest voice of discouragement. This could be your sister, your spouse, or your best friend.
4. Doubters show you where to improve
   Put your pride to the side for just a sec. And ignore the assault on your ego for to consider what your critics are saying.
   If you can get over yourself, there’s a lot you can learn. Take the criticism objectively. Try to find at least one valid point in what they’re saying. When I take the personal aspect out of business and criticisms from others, it is much easier to navigate and pivot.

Someone who knows this very well is my guest on today’s episode of Britt Happens: Darryl Sharpton. Darryl teaches us to use obstacles not as a reason to stop, but as a springboard to new ideas.

Darryl , an honor student his entire life earned a finance degree from the University of Miami where he was also a star scholarship athlete. He was drafted to the NFL and played as a linebacker for 5+ years. Fast forward to now (well, when we first recorded this episode in January 2019 — I know, I know :-/), him and his wife have a thriving modern mid century furniture business — Edloe Finch — which is on pace to gross in the healthy 7 figures in just 17 months in business! After being told that he may never recover from a crushing injury, Darryl took every step in his power to not only come back that following year, but during the year of his return, he led his team in tackles and broke a franchise record for tackles in a game.

Tune in to learn how Darryl Sharpton pushed through unexpected career setbacks and obstacles to dominate both on and off the football field.