Do you  listen to what people tell you? Have you ever noticed how some people will be supportive of what you do and others will be negative and try to convince you that what you are doing is wrong?

I recently decided to start this blog and said to myself that I was going to do more, work from home or anywhere online, and live the life I deserve and want to live. My goals are clear, the drive is there, my focus is strong, and I am ready. I know what will happen and it is not a question of “if” … it is a question of “when” or “how long”.

As I started my new adventure I have had many supporters but I’ve also had many people tell me its a bad idea and not to do it.

So why is it that many times when someone decides to move in a new direction people tend to say “it’s a bad idea, you shouldn’t do it, or you’re making a mistake?”

So often when someone decides to make a change for the better people will become nay-sayers. Some people will always say don’t do it. Your making a mistake!

Has this ever happened to you? Do you listen to what the nay-sayers say?

To me this is just unnecessary noise!

I see this all the time in regular conversations with friends, associates, and family. It is always in the back of everyone’s mind, and the constant rhetoric of “you can’t” or “you shouldn’t” or “you should stop and think about it” never seems to fade. Now I’m not saying you shouldn’t stop and think about it, of course you should, but making calculated risks is part of winning. If you never do anything more than what you are currently doing I know you won’t progress in life, you will stay right where you are! Stop and realize that the negative impact of people telling you can’t or you shouldn’t is nothing more than noise. It has nothing to do with you. I know I can, because I am in charge of my life. You should take their noise at face value and realize you can do anything you want. You need to be the change for yourself, your own champion!

Most people that tell you that you can’t or shouldn’t are scared! They are scared because they don’t believe in themselves. They come from a perspective of “I can’t” or “I will fail” and that it is not your problem. The constant negative pressure to not start or make a change will keep you doubting your ability to make a change and better yourself!

Very few times in my life have I ever allowed someone to convince me that I shouldn’t do something. I have let the negativity of others sway my decision. I can honestly say that almost always I have ended up regretting the decision to listen to the negativity. I know what I am capable of doing and where I am going. Did listening to it get me ahead, did I win? Nope, and that’s why when I hear the nay-sayers negative opinions or fears I do not let them influence my decisions!

When ever you listen to the negative the result it will always lead you right to where you started at! How’s that for not winning at life!

Take a moment and think about it. Do you let other peoples negative opinion or fears rule what you do? Do you listen to their point of view and then get scared and not act to make a change? If you do, and we all do sometimes, start taking a moment and tell yourself that you are in charge.

Now, I really don’t want this post to be so negative and about the nay-sayers so lets move on to the positive end of things. Some people will be supportive and have your best interest at heart. They will do their best to support, and help you with your decisions. These are the kind of people to keep in your life and to help keep you motivated. While they may not totally agree with your ideas or direction, most of the time the support will help your drive and be a welcome positive during challenging times.

We all need support and encouragement and the people in your life that provide it are an invaluable resource. Through encouragement they help you to keep your drive and focus. They will help you to weather the storms and continue to push for your goals and dreams when times get hard.

Choose your support wisely and make sure to always surround yourself with people that support you and your dreams.

You and only you are in charge of your life and your decisions! Don’t let the noise rule your life or your decision making. Remember it has a place but it should not be your only factor! Too many people are scared of their abilities, of failure, and believe me they will impose this view on you at times. Your job it is recoginize it, choose how to deal with it, and what meaning you give it.

Be strong, push for what you believe in, follow your dreams, trust in your heart, and always believe in yourself and where you want to go.