Family and friends can be the best and worst thing that will ever happen to you.   They can love you and pick you up when you’re down, but they can also stop you from making important decisions that could be beneficial in the long run   We all have that one family member or friend who we try and avoid because we know that they always have some negative, sly comment when it comes to your personal or professional life   Instead of building you up, these individuals may tear you down in ways you never imagined   This means you are doing something right.   When other people begin seeing you making moves and becoming successful, they become jealous   Over time you will begin seeing the difference between constructive criticism and outright negativity   The number one thing to remember is that you can’t take any of it personally   That same person telling you that you won’t be successful, is also the person who never had a chance to live out their dreams   This person is fighting his or her own internal battle that may have nothing to do with you at all   Try talking things out with these individuals and let them know what you have planned, and that you won’t settle for anything less than the best for yourself   When all is said and done, agree to disagree with the unsupportive people in your life   Don’t let these individuals stop you from pursuing your goals   You must be confident in whatever you are doing because negativity preys on your vulnerabilities   People can sense if you aren't confident in what you are doing. How can you expect others to believe in your dream if you don't even believe in it yourself?   Associate yourself with like-minded individuals who will support you in making your dreams a reality   Everyone doesn’t want to see you doing well, or getting ahead in life   Not everyone is going to be happy for you -- it's a sad a reality   At the end of the day, if you know that you are genuinely happy and doing what you love, then it doesn't matter what anyone thinks     Janae Grier.