For creatives everywhere, career struggles don’t simply revolve around long hours of churning out quality content—they begin before you throw yourself in the industry, courtesy of naysayers and non-believers.
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Filtering out the incessant noise is a giant leap towards achieving your grander goals. But in the face of social media toxicity and even from IRL peers, going for your dreams isn’t as easy as modern fairytales make it seem. To help you find your way in the midst of the doubters, we’ve put together advice straight from life coaches themselves.
Check in with yourself
We all know the feeling—you’re alright one second, and in the next encounter with a particularly cynical person, you’ve soaked negativity up like a sponge. To detoxify that energy, life coach Alex Klokkaris recommends grounding yourself and remembering what you felt before an encounter with a negative person. “Periodically pause and go within yourself. Observe your breath silently for a couple of minutes and do a quick body scan,” she says. “This is a way of staying aware so that you are less likely to go into automatic mode and absorb stuff unconsciously. Every now and then, check in and ask yourself, ‘What’s going on for me, right now?’”
Fight doubt with passion
You know what they say about revenge: It’s best served with your own success. Artists have used passion to create since the dawn of time, and there’s no reason to stop now. “Are you angry after your interaction? Does it fire you up? If so, cultivate that feeling,” says lawyer and life coach Dina Cataldo. “When you start thinking about what they said to you or what they did to sabotage you, use it to your advantage.”
Control the things you can
It’s been said, but hardly done: Reel in your own emotions, and handle your reaction. While a particularly insulting tweet fuels ire like no other, ultimately, your response will shape your narrative. According to Celestine Chua, negativity can be possibly perceived as a product of your own lens. “Take responsibility for your perceptions. For every trait, you can interpret it in a positive and a negative manner.”
Delve into the positive
If your current environment is packed with pessimists, find your oasis even through the simplest of ways. “If you fill your mind with uplifting and inspiring information, it will keep you motivated,” says Stacia Piece. “Go to the bookstore or library today and find at least one book on a positive topic that will give you a boost.”
Revel in the victories (however small)
When negative comments are getting you down, it’s best to remember the victories beforehand, however their size. For Stacia, looking back at your past creations and tokens of achievement can solidify motivation. “Oftentimes we forget how far we’ve come and the successes we’ve already accomplished. Designate a token of achievement that you can carry with you to remind yourself that you are a winner.”
Throughout it all, a little help from a support system is essential, whether from positive friends, family, or a great team to back you up. As a bank that empowers Filipinos in their unique pursuits, BDO helps you find your way to success. For more information, visit their website here.
Art by Zaila Mae Urmeneta