We hear the word “hater” thrown around a lot these days. It’s a strong word that can refer to anyone from a mild antagonist to a sworn enemy.

We all know people that have made life unpleasant. We’ve all had naysayers. Whatever you decide to call such people, I’d like to suggest that we learn to value their place in our lives. Here’s why.

Everything Has Purpose, Even ‘Haters’

They may not know it, but sometimes naysayers can be a more profound driver for success than the “yaysayers” in our lives.

Sure, we all prefer to be around people who encourage us. In fact, we should spend most – if not all – our time with positive people. But while it’s great to hear, “You can do it!,” sometimes it’s more powerful to hear people tell you that you can’t.

If I’m honest, I’d have to admit that some of my best achievements have been catalyzed by naysayers rather than yaysayers. Maybe they didn’t intend for it to be this way, but naysayers have had an immeasurably positive effect on my life.

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“Some of my best achievements have been catalyzed by naysayers rather than yaysayers. Maybe they didn’t intend for it to be this way, but naysayers have had an immeasurably positive effect on my life.”

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Maybe they weren’t seeking to help, but their contributions have been incalculable. They’ve raised me to a level I never thought I could achieve – had it not been for their wonderfully negative influence in my life.

So, a big “thank you” is in order.

This isn’t some twisted way to taunt naysayers by saying “Nanny nanny poo poo.” Oh alright, maybe I am getting a teeny bit of pleasure in writing this. But it is more than some petty, veiled attempt to school the naysayers of the world.

In fact, I hope not a single one of them is reading this right now. I don’t want to mess up our little arrangement. We should want them to keep doing what they’re doing so we can keep doing what we’re doing: Getting ahead and always taking life and business to the next level.