Alex Pooley's Blog

Zealot - “A fanatically committed person.”
Naysayer - “To oppose, deny, or take a pessimistic or negative view of.”

I’m someone who likes to push the edge. I like novel ideas, and amibitous pursuits. I come across zealots and naysayers all the time. If you’re like me, then you try to take in all feedback, both bad and good. In general terms, zealots will lead you down a path of tunnel vision and naysayers will stand in your way at every step. So what do you do?

I think you need to ignore the emotion and bias in the argument and consider the true point. Bring that point back to your venture and then _draw your own conclusion_. I think it was in a Robert Kiyosaki’s book (the author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad) that said something to effect of, “if you want to be rich, listen to rich people.” If your car is broken then take it to a mechanic, if your tax is too complex then speak to an accountant. Why is it that our colleague’s, or some dude’s advice is so important? Moral support? If you think they understand what you’re doing better than you do, then you should maybe consider not going forward…