Don't Let 'Em Douse Your Flame

"Complete waste of time"

That's what one attendee recently wrote on an eval form about my keynote.

WOW.

Never mind that 96% of the attendees said they were Extremely Satisfied with my program. I obsessed over the ONE who was Very Dissatisfied: Mr. or Ms. Complete-Waste-of-Time.

Why is it so hard not to take that kind of so-called criticism personally? I mean, seriously?! All 60 minutes of my "energizing", "hilarious", "charming" and "highly interactive" program that improves your productivity and performance is a COMPLETE WASTE OF TIME?

Sheesh.

Then I remembered that this act of bitterness has nothing to do with me. Maybe I resemble the woman her ex-husband is now married to. Or I remind him of the girl who said no to him for prom. Or maybe they just don't like my Minnesota accent that occasionally sneaks out (oh yah!) It doesn't matter. Not my problem.

I no longer feel angry at Mr. or Ms. CrabbyPants. I actually feel sorry for someone who is so miserable that they could not find joy in a room full of laughter and learning.

Think about that the next time someone tries to douse your flame. Shine it even brighter and wish them well. They need all the help they can get.

Theresa Rose is a business motivational speaker, award-winning author and expert on mindful productivity who helps organizations and their teams make more time, get more done, earn more money and have more fun. For more information, visit TheresaRose.com.

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