Why You Are More Successful Than Your Haters

Meme of legendary comedian Katt Williams from Pinterest.com.

Homer Simpson’s new coworker Frank Grimes dies in a frenzy reenacting Homer’s workplace stupidity. Homer is happily married with kids but is a bustling buffoon in a high-paid position. His new coworker, lonely and having worked hard and diligently, can’t compute how a buffoon like Homer could have a comfortable, happy life. In the end, Frank dies mocking Homer Simpson. Frank lost his mind to that feeling haters get when they see their “sleaziest coworker” get the promotion they’ve whined for.

Hate Consumes Them

Whenever you come up in conversations of your haters or they scroll by a picture of you on social media, their skin crawls. When asked, they can’t help mentioning the time you said no for a loan or how you weren’t there to help when you said you would be. They think you should be burning to the ground, but you’re smiling in vacation pics with your spouse instead. How much time does it take them to think those thoughts? How much energy did they lose?

The thing about haters is, if you’re the threat they think you are, you’re too busy doing important things to think about them. They could be making a vision board, applying for a job or starting a website. On the contrary, they’re posting indirect statuses on Facebook or slandering you behind your back.

You know what time means and use it wisely, but your haters waste it. You can’t get back time, and it’s your greatest asset. Your time is so valuable, companies pay you for it, along with the tasks of the position. How much are they being paid to mention you? How many physical dollars do they make using your name? The answer is, in tennis terms, love.

Thriving Beside Hate

Your biggest haters are usually the ones closest to you, and you probably realize it too lately. Their hate shows its head in casual conversations and remarks. The person attempts to put you down, while attempting to place themselves on a pedestal. They try to convince you they’re “intelligent” without any proof. They try to convince you that your accomplishments — the ones they have tried and failed at — mean nothing. These are the things they will say to you, but they’ve thought these things for months or years before as you were thriving.

While you are punching that clock or finishing that degree, as you make more progress, you might notice how certain people are changing. It’s in the back of your mind, but it doesn’t distract you. After that big promotion or college graduation, the hate will become more noticeable. Don’t let it throw you off.

Although you might feel shocked by learning of the secret hate a family member or friend has for you, it is not new. It has always been simmering beneath the surface. Don’t feel guilty about getting another degree or marrying someone you love because your haters can’t. Their life is not yours to live, and yours will probably be better the less you communicate with them.

The Takeaway

Your haters might be loud or move in secret, but you’ve been thriving the whole time. Finding out your best friend or close family is hater can be disheartening. It can make you want to slow down to close the distance, but don’t. Keep moving at your own pace. Don’t feel guilty because of your success, and don’t let anyone try to convince you that your success is not success or that your purpose is not your purpose. Some people choose to live in a bland world where nothing means anything. Others choose to live fruitful lives that haters despise for them.

This article was written by Jermaine Reed, MFA, the Editor-in-Chief of The Reeders Block. Join the email list to get notifications on new blog posts and books. This article is 100% human-written. And remember, if you see an error, that’s what makes us human.