Don’t Swallow the Bait

Don’t Swallow the Bait

My organization and I were recently tarred and feathered in the court of public opinion on social media. Sadly, it was just the latest in a long line of incidents dating back to the late 90’s when I first read falsities in trade publications and websites.

The phrase, “The pioneers get the arrows!” comes to mind, but this is not a blog about me or even the water garden industry. Rather it’s about what I’ve learned, mostly the hard way, when it comes to handling misinformation, criticism and the always present internet and social media trolls.

In a day and age when everyone has an opinion and, unfortunately, the means to share it with the world through social media, it’s hard to avoid the noise of opinions that greatly differ from your own. True?

Don’t take the bait!

Take it from me, a man who’s swallowed his fair share of hooks, when you bite on the bait they’ve got you on the line! With their hook set they have the upper hand having successfully landed you using your own emotions.

DON’T EVER LET SOMEONE ELSE CONTROL YOU THROUGH YOUR OWN EMOTIONS!

Spit out the hook! Or better yet – don’t bother biting in the first place!

Don’t allow someone else the satisfaction of creating your own self-worth.

I know this is easier said than done. But I’ve learned through trial and error that when you allow someone else to control your emotions you swallow the very pill of bitterness they poisoned their own spirit with.

Don’t do it. Don’t bite no matter how great the slight!

Drop it and move on and keep swimming out in front of the pack.

Some food for thought.

Carpe Diem