January 19, 2025 - Happy New Year - Do the Thing - Haters Gonna Hate

• Stop checking your messages first thing in the morning—it can throw off your whole vibe.  

• Postage costs got you down? Same. But keep pushing through those challenges.  

• Answering DMs: Only respond when you’re in the right headspace. Boundaries are important!  

• Know your worth and value (and no, custom items are not for discounts).  

• Haters hating on your growth? Let it fuel you. Everything isn’t for everybody, and that’s okay.  

• The fine line between perseverance and knowing when to pivot—don’t give up 3 feet from gold!  

The main takeaway for this episode is simple: do the thing. No matter what you do, there will always be someone unhappy. Haters are going to hate, whether you take action or not, so don’t let them stop you.

Pro Tip: Stop checking your messages first thing in the morning before you’ve had time to ground yourself. I learned this the hard way when I woke up to three messages I wasn’t ready to handle.

Why Is Postage So Expensive?!
Sometimes, you’ve just got to work through challenges like this, even when you don’t feel like it. Show up and get it done anyway.

Answering DMs
Do you answer DMs? How often? Here’s my advice: Just because someone messages you at midnight doesn’t mean you need to respond right away. Only open messages when you’re in the right mental space to reply. And let’s be honest, most of the information people are asking for is already out there—research is key. Going the extra mile to take initiative is what sets successful businesses apart.

Know Your Worth and Value
They are not the same thing, but both matter. For example, someone recently asked me for a discount on a custom item. My answer? No and no. Custom items require more time and effort, which is why they cost more.

Haters Gonna Hate
Let them! I started a new YouTube series, Rise and Renew, and someone didn’t like it. That’s fine—it’s not for everyone. But what’s funny is when people hate on something as simple as a brand information video. It used to bother me, but now I find it hilarious. Growth is about realizing that not everything is for everyone, and that’s okay.

When Is It Time to Give Up?
Do you keep going or stop? At what point is it perseverance, and when is it insanity? Check out Think and Grow Rich by R.U. Darby and the story of being 3 feet from gold—it’s a powerful reminder to push through even when it feels impossible.

A Win Is a Win
I received my first Instagram payment since getting monetized on Meta—a grand total of $5.53! Sure, it’s small, but I’m celebrating. Every step, no matter how small, brings me closer to my goals.

Let this episode remind you to stay the course, embrace the process, and laugh at the haters along the way. 🌱

As always, be the you that makes you the happiest and drink your water and mind your business. Love ya.

XOXO,

Alisha