As we all know, there are approximately 6.7 BILLION people in the world today. Every person is obviously born with a brain that they utilize on a day – to – day basis. For some of us, it is used a little more effectively than others, but that is beside the point. What we all share is an opinion on some thing. Now, could you imagine ciphering through everyone’s thoughts and ideas on a particular subject matter before making a final decision on something you are currently dealing with? It would drive you nuts right! Obviously, that is not how we go about our day, but for some of us we are constantly marinating our thoughts in what other people may say or think, when in actuality it really does not matter to our personal lives. Everyone has an opinion, and that opinion is free. No matter your shape, size, color, age, or religion we are people who will naturally judge, criticize or stereotype an individual before they even open their mouth.

It’s a new day and age as the younger generation continues to get radical tattoos all over their bodies and ear plugs (not earrings) that stretch the lobes of their ear sometimes an INCH if not BIGGER! (I have plenty of friends who participate in doing this to their bodies, so go ahead and JUDGE!) But, that is what they like to do and they are some of the most intelligent and creative people I know. As they realize it’s a bit more difficult for them to get some traditional jobs, that is who they are and that is what they feel helps define who they are, and I commend them for that. On a positive note, it is becoming more and more acceptable amongst society and work environments for employees to bare their tattoos, which is a plus in my book. Through my travels, I have met many young adults that I thought would not be able to carry on a conversation worth a lick, but instead have actually enticed me into some really thought provoking conversations. For this to occur, I’ve had to let down my guard down to allow for that to happen, rather than to write them off.

It is kind of crazy to think about how outside physical attributes or material possessions easily place judgments in our own minds of who a specific person might be. For girls, they may judge another girl by the handbag she has, as they take a big gulp of haterade! As for guys, they may judge another man by the kind of car they drive or the size of their build. For some people, they truly like the quality of designer goods, while others judge someone for spending $2K on a Louis Vuitton handbag or for men a thousand dollar two – button Versace suit. Typically, criticizers do not understand the quality of craftsmanship and longevity of such a handbag or good quality suit. They then pursue talk about how spending X amount of dollars on a material item is a waste. My response to you hater is if you could afford it you would probably cop it or keep quite.

The saying that “first impressions are everything,” still holds true today. The importance of being presentable is very key if your desire is to succeed in life. At the same time, each person needs to create value within them for others to move pass that first impression. You could look like the sharpest tool in the shed, but if you don’t have any brains, you and your thousand-dollar suit will be feeling the door hit your ass. Either way, the game is when your conducting business you dress in business attire, and when you are going to the beach you wear a bathing suit. I highly doubt you would walk into a job interview wearing boardshorts, right?

If you are looking to go into business for yourself, embrace criticism and haters. They are your strongest asset. Negative people, also known as ‘toxic dream killers’ will get great enjoyment in tearing your drive to succeed to shreds and nay saying your ventures. It may not be directly to your face, but they will proceed to attack you subliminally or within your inner circles, to sabotage your character. It is your job to execute your plan effectively and efficiently by pushing through to victory no matter what adversities may lie ahead. While driving, walking, riding your bike, whatever the case is, take note on how many businesses are still thriving around you, even as we are in a recession. If they could do it, so can you! Don’t worry about how you are going to get there, just take action and your path will begin to show itself to you.

Control your own life. “Don’t give a shit about what people talk about fam … Haters will shake my hand, but I keep the sanitizer on deck.” – Kid Cudi