Don't Listen to Detractors
There are going to be times in your life that doing good things for yourself and your life will draw negative attention from others. This can catch you off guard if you are not prepared for it, so it is important to be ready for and understand this reaction.
The Jealous
Some people are simply jealous of what you are accomplishing. Whether you are losing weight, getting your life in order, accomplishing more at work, being more responsible, saving money, or simply not wasting your time with frivolous things, people will envy your progress and willpower. They will wish they were doing those things, and take their resentment at themselves out on you.
They will demean your efforts, declare that you are wasting your time, and even try to convince you that you are not making any progress. You must be able to recognize this for what it is, and not let these people drag you down. They are not angry with you, and they don't hate you. They envy you for being able to do what they refuse to, and it's easier to punish you for that than it is to admit it.
Sometimes it is possible to diffuse the jealousy and anger of these people, but just as often it becomes necessary to keep them at a distance until they can sort themselves out. Either way, do not tolerate their mistreatment.
The Well Meaning
People in America have been raised to believe that pushing yourself and making sacrifices for a better body, a better mind, and a better life is a mistake and a waste of time. Some people will try to talk you out of your path because they genuinely believe that you are wasting your time or harming yourself.
These are the people you are most likely to be able to educate and be a good example to, as they do want what is best for you and just don't know any better. Take the time to uplift them and show them a better way. Explain the benefits, show them the positive changes you have experienced. Just don't let their good intentions sway you from what you know you need to do.
The Ashamed
Lastly, there are people that are simply ashamed of themselves. They are overweight, or not motivated to succeed. They avoid hard work and sacrifice, and thus never achieve meaningful results.
When you start making choices to consistently change your behavior and priorities for a better life, it reminds them of everything they are not and choose not to be. Rather than lash out at you like the jealous do, they will try to convince you to fall back into old habits. They feel better about themselves and their own poor choices if others engage in those things with them.
Do not be dragged down by these people. Lift them up past their shame. Offer to support them, help them become who and what they want to be. Spread your strength to those around you.
Who is Around You?
As always, I want to hear from you. Tell us about the people around you, both good and bad. Tell us about who has built you up, who has tried to tear you down, and how you have dealt with it.