OVERCOMING FEAR & HATERS

HOW TO DEAL WITH CRITICISM
& TURN IT INTO FUEL

Mind control is the result of self-discipline and habit. You either control your mind, or it controls you. It's black and white. The most practical way of controlling the mind is keeping it busy with a definite purpose backed by a definite plan. If you look at any high achiever in history or present day, and look closely, you will find they exercise this principle of control over their own mind.

When we are unsure or indecisive, we are led to fear. This in turn leads to doubt. These undetected and uncontrolled negative influences can come in slowly and grow like a virus in every aspect of our lives. I once heard the clever quote, “No man can make progress when wavering between two opposites”. I lost who this insightful quote is from, but it is so true and important. Faith and fear cannot coexist harmoniously. If indecision is present, one will not pick a direction and move toward it. You will be stuck in limbo, back and forth, never moving in a solid direction. This makes progress impossible.

I want to talk about the two main fears that I see stand in the way and bully people most. I felt it necessary to include it to help shine light on why most people are not successful and even many are broke. These two fears are responsible for why most people never even try to follow their true passion in life. They are why most people play it safe in career and never fully, persistently pursue their life's true purpose in music and drumming, or anything else for that matter. It is easy to push them aside and claim they don't apply to you, however this only hurts you. It is worthwhile to attempt to see either of these fears may lie hidden or obvious in your conscious or subconscious mind. Shining light on the presence of either or both of these will be an essential step in your success.
1) The fear of poverty
2) The fear of criticism

Let's talk about the fear of poverty. Poverty and riches cannot coexist. They are two roads leading opposite directions. This being said you must choose to accept one or the other, and never turn back. It goes back to the wavering quote, “you cannot progress unless you choose a path”. Just choosing is not enough, but it is the first essential step. We must refuse any circumstances, thoughts, people, or patterns that lead to poverty in order to obtain riches. It is the starting point that leads to riches. In essence it is desire, which we have been talking about in previous chapters, and will now further discuss the practical application.

The fear of poverty is the most destructive fear. It is the most difficult to master. Acceptance is the key. Once we can shine the light of truth on this matter of fear (which is all in our mind) we can overcome it. But not until we can admit it is there. Throughout history, we have been measured in worth by our financial success. Regardless of the method of obtaining riches, those who have are often worshiped and envied. On the other hand, people lacking in money are left with less respect, for themselves and from society. They have less choices and are often thrown into a downward spiral until eventually identifying and becoming proud to be a “broke” victim of struggling musician syndrome. Poverty brings suffering of many different forms, hence the paralyzing fear that is hiding behind every choice, possible opportunity, chance, and investment.

To combat the fear of poverty engage in practices to stay in an abundance mind set. Hang with others that are optimistic and taking action towards reaching their goals. Stay focussed on what you can do each day, each moment to move closer to what you want. Study other successful people, and join a community of hustlers like the D&G$ family. 

Next is the fear of criticism. Or the fear of "haters". This is another fear worth taking a deeper look into, as it is responsible for most of the failure present, and more so responsible for people quitting before even trying. The fear of being criticized, or "hated on" is a paralyzing fear for many drummers and artists. Being in a creative field such as drumming or music, comes with the territory of being vulnerable in a sense. We put our hard work and ideas out there to be judged. Springing from a desire to share, inspire, entertain comes with the possibility of people criticizing and talking shit on our hard work.

Criticism is petty and trivial. It comes from fear itself. Most people don't inherently have the confidence or courage to go against the grain. Most people are always trying to "fit in" and go with the what's socially fed to us as the norm as to avoid criticism. Not often will you find a person with the courage to openly go against the grain and state different beliefs or ideas from the surrounding society. I'm guessing however, as you are reading this book, you are not "the norm". I'm guessing that you do not worry about going with the flow of least resistance  nor criticize those that don't.

There will always be haters. The way I like to look at them is like a pesky fly. It's not impossible to catch and kill, but it is an easy way to get distracted, and make a mess. I look at haters as a sign of success. The more they lash out and try to discourage you, the more progress you make and bigger threat you are. If you weren't doing something great, people wouldn't have a strong emotion evoked that they felt they had to express through criticism.

Once we identify and eliminate these fears with awareness and mindfulness, we can express ourselves fully, without reservation, and become creative powerhouses that can openly, honestly share our talents, and get paid thousands to millions of dollars to do so. You also must remember that hating on others holds you back, and keeps you in an energy of lack. If you notice yourself or others starting to criticize or hate, do everyone a favor and change direction to appreciation. If you can't appreciate, at least keep negative comments to yourself as they only turn successful positive people off and blow potential gigs and opportunities you may otherwise get.

Seek company of those that encourage you to think and act for yourself. Avoid "complainers" like the plague. Keep aware to all influences that are around, subtle and obvious. The idle mind is the property of who or whatever comes around. In other words, always be aware and in control of what influences surround you. Stay focused on creative, positive, people and influences, and you will attract just that. You will create habits of productivity, creation, collaborations, growing, and prosperity. Avoid advice from others. Especially unsolicited advice usually from those that are unhappy, unsuccessful, and unhealthy.

You have absolute control of your own thoughts if you choose. This is significant and inspiring. If you fail to control your own mind, you surely will control nothing else. "Anything the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve" Napoleon Hill.

Haters Goin Hate, And Winners Goin Win! Be a Winner and keep your eye on the prize.
Remember this is just scratching the surface.. for the full chapter on this topic and more check out the Drum and Grow Rich book or Online Academy.