“An entire sea of water can’t sink a ship unless it gets inside the ship. Similarly, the negativity of the world can’t put you down unless you allow it to get inside of you.” This quote speaks volumes, not only for athletes, but for businessmen, doctors, lawyers, & so on. We, as human beings, (although we don’t admit it), care too much about what outsiders think of us. Jay Shetty, a great speaker, who has mastered the Monk Mentality says, be close to everything but don’t let it consume or own you. Thinking about this, awareness of everything around us is important, but training your mind to understand that it doesn’t matter how great you are, there will ALWAYS be someone who won’t approve is equally as crucial. Let’s think about some of the greatest athletes to ever live; Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Lebron James. What do they all have in common? Sheer and unquestionable GREATNESS, right? Do you know how many people absolutely despise them? More than you think. Why? Well, simply put, YOU ARE NOT FOR EVERYONE. A very intelligent friend/mentor of mine (@Fbabadjanians) said, “haters only exist when you pass them on your way up the ladder…ever notice that there are no haters above you - always below looking up?” Think about it. People below you hate on you, why? A multitude of reasons, but the biggest being; You’ve made yourself better than what they imagined themselves being. That’s completely fine. My biggest advice to anyone reading this is; Just Do You and keep your same energy everywhere you go. Something makes you happy, do it with no second thought because whether you do or don’t someone out there will talk regardless. The Noise outside is bothering you? Just close the window and get back to work.