5 Things To Do When Someone Minimizes Your Success

There, I said it. Now take it all in.

I know. And I totally get you.

Been there. Been that.

And to be candid about it, as I continue journeying towards my own #bestmeever , I continue to experience that still.

What I have come to realize about the entire experience of growing into the person you’re meant to be is that some people will not be able to grow in harmony with you.

As you soar higher in this life time, some will get left behind.

Sadly though, regardless of the relationship you have with them, these will be the very same people who will try to minimize your success.

I have heard (and been told upfront) these before:

“Only bronze?” – when I first placed in the 2022 edition of the Coach Awards in the Best Wellness Coach Category.

“He just probably paid for his awards and articles.” – when I got recognized by a number of international media and organizations for my work and got included in their listicles.

“You charge too much.” – from a person who hasn’t even tried my services and didn’t bother reading the testimonials of my clients

“He’s not that big time yet globally.” – said someone about my international exposures and clients.

“He’s just charming and the audience loves him that’s why he gets invited often” – said someone who questioned my multiple media exposures and subject matter expert interviews.

“National Bookstore? Only ranked #9. It’s just Amazon. Anyone can best selling author there.” – said someone who had a self-published book which barely made any sales.

And I can go on and on from the years of experiencing such.

And I know you can relate too.

When people tell you that you aren’t good enough.

That you had it easy.

That your achievements don’t really matter that much.

But let me tell you this now: that isn’t exactly the case.

Allow me to share with you the 5 things you can do when someone minimizes your success:

1. Remind yourself that you define your own success

Success is relative. And it’s not just anchored on huge milestones or achievements. Success can mean as much as starting your own fitness journey, saying NO for the first time or simply making it through the day. You define it. Never let others implement ridiculous metrics that you don’t even subscribe to.

2. Don’t carry the weight of others’ projections on you

When people try to bring you down, it stems from their own insecurities, frustrations and pains. Really successful and genuinely happy people don’t have time to minimize the success of others simply because they have so much joy in their space and they are very much secure to let others share spaces and grow in harmony with them. In my case, I always reflect: what can be their reason for doing that? What pain is driving their action? For all you know, they probably want your success for themselves. Or they try to bring you down because they feel they’re being left behind. That makes me feel compassion than resistance while letting go of the unnecessary baggage their comments bring. And yes, you don’t need to deal with their pains. It’s theirs to carry and process.

3. Reflect: What’s the value of their comment in your journey towards growth?

Oftentimes, the people who belittle you and your success don’t really have that much value in your life. Total strangers. Acquaintances. People you had a fall out with. So…why would their opinion matter? The mere fact that they didn’t have any significant contribution to your growth, why be burdened by what they have to say? You don’t have to take in everything and you don’t have to explain yourself.

4. Focus on those who truly value and celebrate you

You don’t deserve to be held back from becoming your best by anyone. So instead on dwelling too much on the approval and validation you never got, focus on all the kind words and gestures from people who genuinely love and support you. Their presence in your life weighs more. Reflect: who are these people in your life who truly have your back? Keep them closer.

5. Continue celebrating your success

Huge trigger for those who want to bring you down, if I may say. When you are very much secured about yourself and you have the purest intention of inspiring others as you share and celebrate success, its value amplifies. Someone out there needs to see you push forward so he/she will also be inspired to take his/her first step towards growth even if some people are making things harder than usual. Play the part. Be the disruptor. Show others how it’s done. Succeed even more. Consistency drives nay sayers beyond crazy. Best clap back ever without lifting a finger.

Wherever you are now, I hope you become more comfortable in acknowledging your own worth and success.

You matter. Everything about you does.

Take that to heart always as you give yourself the success that is due.

I will always be proud of you.
Now, be proud of yourself too.