Turning Negativity into Positivity: Tips for Handling Negative Comments Online

May 30, 2023

Not Allowing Online Hate to Stick. Tips to Help

Are you an entrepreneur struggling with negative comments online? In this blog post, we'll explore exactly how you can handle them and focus on positivity to boost your mental well-being. Our guest, Rachel Collar, shares her personal experiences on this topic and provides valuable insights on balancing sensitive humor with authentic self-expression. Rachel's journey as an entrepreneur teaches us the importance of surrounding ourselves with supportive networks and uplifting activities such as music and podcasts to pave the way for a healthier mindset. In the following sections, we'll delve into the details of how Rachel handles negativity and builds a more positive outlook.
My special guest is Rachel Collar
With an impressive 23-year career in human resources, Rachel Collar brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Rachel has a degree in HR and has held positions in various industries, including a stint as head of HR for a large automotive company. Facing personal adversity during the COVID pandemic, Rachel decided to pursue her dream of starting her own HR consultancy, helping businesses that prioritize their employees' well-being. Besides her expertise in HR, Rachel is an enthusiastic learner, always eager to expand her skill set in areas such as marketing, sales, and networking. Her approachable personality and commitment to her clients make her an excellent resource for entrepreneurs seeking mental well-being tips.
Navigating the often unpredictable waters of online comments can be a daunting task for any entrepreneur, especially when negative feedback is thrown your way. The ability to handle such negativity, however, can prove to be extremely beneficial to your mental well-being and overall success. By understanding how to face adversity with grace and a focus on positivity, you arm yourself with the tools to rise above negativity and create an online presence that nurtures growth and achievement. This blog brings you a collection of valuable strategies and tips to maintain a balanced, positive mindset amidst the challenges of the online world.
Here are the steps to get Boost mental well-being with supportive networks and uplifting activities:
1. Develop a strong support network of friends and colleagues. 2. Create a positive online presence with uplifting content. 3. Set boundaries and limit exposure to negative comments.
1. Develop a strong support network of friends and colleagues. Developing a strong support network of friends and colleagues is crucial for entrepreneurs who want to handle negative comments online and maintain a focus on positivity. In the digital age, social media platforms and online forums often expose individuals to anonymous users who leave critical or even hurtful comments. It is easy for entrepreneurs to feel discouraged and disheartened by these types of interactions, especially when trying to promote their business or personal brand. An essential first step to addressing this issue is to actively create and maintain relationships with friends, colleagues, mentors, and industry peers. These individuals can serve as a sounding board for concerns, provide constructive feedback, and offer encouragement in the face of negativity. Moreover, having a strong support network can reduce the impact of negative comments and help entrepreneurs to remain focused on their goals and objectives. Guest Rachel Collar shares her experience dealing with negativity online and highlights the importance of having a supportive network of people to talk to when facing challenges. During her conversation with David, Rachel shares that she sometimes receives negative comments on her social media pages, but she relies on her trusted circle of friends and colleagues to help her cope. She talks to them about the situation, and they often provide insightful suggestions and emotional support. Furthermore, Rachel also mentions her strategy of engaging in uplifting activities, like listening to music or podcasts, to improve her mood and refocus on the positives in her life. By leaning on her support network and engaging in activities that boost her mental well-being, Rachel is better able to navigate the often-turbulent online environment. The importance of having a strong support network cannot be overstated for entrepreneurs. Running a business can be a lonely and isolating endeavor, and dealing with negative online comments can add to the challenges entrepreneurs already face. By cultivating meaningful relationships with friends, colleagues, and industry peers, entrepreneurs can build a supportive community that helps them remain resilient and maintain a positive mindset. Having a network that can provide constructive feedback, offer emotional support, and share experiences not only helps entrepreneurs navigate the digital space more effectively but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared understanding as they tackle other obstacles in their entrepreneurial journey. So, remember to invest time in developing and nurturing a strong support network, as it is an essential tool for overcoming negativity, maintaining focus and promoting mental well-being.
2. Create a positive online presence with uplifting content. Handling negative comments online can be a daunting task for entrepreneurs, but focusing on positivity is crucial for maintaining mental well-being. One key step in achieving this is by creating a positive online presence with uplifting content. By curating and sharing encouraging posts, articles, and stories, you'll be able to contribute to a more positive online environment and reinforce your mental resilience. This approach not only helps counteract the negativity that might arise from online trolls but also serves as a proactive measure to discourage toxic behavior from taking root on your social media platforms. As a result, you'll be more likely to attract a supportive online community that values your work and shares your uplifting perspective. During the podcast, guest Rachel Collar shared her experiences with negative comments and the impact they have had on her mental well-being. She noted that instead of focusing on the online trolls, she's chosen to engage with the individuals who care about and support her. To uplift her spirits and maintain a positive mindset, Rachel listens to music, podcasts, and engages in conversations with trusted friends. By centering her online presence around the positive aspects of her life and work, Rachel has demonstrated the profound power of focusing on positivity and how it can help entrepreneurs to navigate the challenges that come with negative comments online. The importance of focusing on positivity and creating a supportive online presence cannot be overstated, especially for entrepreneurs seeking mental well-being tips. By consistently sharing uplifting content and engaging in positive online interactions, you'll be laying the groundwork for a more robust support network that can help protect your mental health, even during trying times. Furthermore, developing a positive digital footprint will not only repel negativity but also attract like-minded individuals who can serve as encouragement and inspiration. Ultimately, fostering a positive online presence is essential for any entrepreneur who aims to achieve success amid the many challenges faced in today's digital world.
3. Set boundaries and limit exposure to negative comments. As an entrepreneur, it's inevitable that you'll encounter negativity and criticism online. It's essential to learn how to handle these negative comments effectively and focus on positivity. One crucial step to maintaining a healthy mindset in the face of online adversity is setting boundaries and limiting exposure to negative comments. By establishing rules that determine when and how you interact with negative feedback, you can protect your mental well-being and maintain a constructive perspective. Additionally, setting boundaries allows you to control the narrative, ensuring that your energy is directed toward the positive and constructive aspects of your business. To maintain a positive outlook amidst criticism, Rachel Collar recommends focusing on your supportive network rather than dwelling on the negativity. In her conversation with David, Rachel emphasized the importance of surrounding yourself with people who care and understanding that online trolls don't represent your true audience. When faced with negative comments, she turns to activities that uplift her, like listening to music, podcasts, and talking with trusted friends. By directing her energy towards constructive activities and nurturing her supportive network, Rachel's able to maintain her mental wellbeing despite the challenges of online criticism. Understanding the importance of setting boundaries and limiting exposure to negative comments can be instrumental in sustaining a healthy mindset as an entrepreneur. As you navigate the highs and lows of running a business, it's essential to focus on the positive aspects of your journey and avoid being consumed by negativity. By doing so, you'll cultivate resilience and a strong support system that will serve you well throughout your entrepreneurial endeavors. Additionally, by addressing negative comments with a clear head and a focus on positivity, you'll inspire others to see the value in your work and maintain a reputation as a grounded, forward-thinking entrepreneur.
As an entrepreneur, juggling various tasks can be both rewarding and challenging. One of the challenges we often face is dealing with negative comments on the internet. Keeping in mind the importance of mental well-being for business success, it is essential to learn how to maintain a positive mindset when faced with online negativity. The steps provided in this blog, from building a strong support network to engaging in relaxing hobbies, can help you tackle negative comments effectively without sacrificing mental well-being. Moreover, by responding to constructive criticism graciously and ignoring trolls, you are on the right track to developing a successful online presence. So go ahead, implement these valuable insights, and strengthen your business and personal growth while keeping your mental health in check.

Have you tried these tactics and strategies? Share your successes and challenges with us in the comments.

By David Adderson July 4, 2025
Inclusion is desirable, yet it is complex. In this two-part blog, we begin to unravel the challenges of increasing needs in education and diminishing resources. In this article, Dr Anita Devi explores some of the many challenges Educators in England currently face. Her intent is to extend perceptual thinking from problem to solution. In Part 2, Katherine Robertson will unpick some of the financial levers for consideration. I have worked in the education sector for a fair few decades now. Am I showing my age? Possibly, but also my experience and out of that experience is born wisdom. Wisdom is applied knowledge with the benefit of lived experience and hindsight. To broaden our thinking, I have decided to focus on three areas: Rising needs in the classroom – ensuring each child receives an educational experience that is progressive, whilst meeting their needs Less is more – applying a structured and systematic approach to providing support for special educational needs and disability (SEND) Commissioning with purpose – intentionally involving others, when needed. Since the increase in needs always outmatches the rise in resource funding, sadly we will always be in a deficit. This is not about being despondent, but hopeful through responsive and creative solutions. In many life situations, we face elements of the unknown and so we put in place checks and balances to ensure we maintain stability. If our own personal finances were continuously in the red, we would be faced with three options: Reduce spending Increase income Look for alternatives In the education world whilst options 1 and 2 may be possible to some degree, it is restricted and ultimately option 3 has been our default; especially if we are to adhere to the core principles of The Salamanca Statement (1994) and more closely to home, The Children and Families’ Act 2014. Rising need in the classroom Those who lead on inclusion and /or SEND need to simplify systems to ensure those learners who require additional and adaptive provision receive it. I have expanded more on this in a July 2023 booklet, which you can download here . If as a leader, you understand the fundamentals of an inclusive provision framework, you can reduce the paper trail to make it purposeful, without compromising on keeping a diligent paper trail of evidence. This will also ensure you know whether what is in place is having an impact or not. SEND: It is time to lead differently . Less is more There are a number of core decisions to be made when additional provision is put in place. For example, in or out of the classroom? How long is the defined additional support required and most importantly what is the expected outcome from the additional support? For far too long, we have assumed the ‘forever’ model when it comes to interventions or additional support. We have often omitted to discern short-term from long-term, as well as factor in the negative impact of too many interventions simultaneously. Short-term interventions, if assessed and targeted well can (in many instances) provide the learner with new skills and/or increased independence. This is a desirable outcome, as none of us is truly seeking to create a dependency model. Equally, administering too many interventions simultaneously takes away from the exploratory nature of interventions i.e. what’s working and what needs to change. We have indeed moved away from the ‘medical model’, however, some of the basic principles still need to be considered. In response to a medical condition, a doctor would not prescribe multiple medications or remedies simultaneously. Due care and consideration would be given to the negative interactive impact of one solution upon another. We need to apply a similar approach to inclusion and SEND. This is not denying that a child may have multiple needs, but sometimes it is about focusing on one thing at a time. Commissioning with Purpose This has been a bugbear of mine since 2018 , if not before! As a previous SEND Advisory Teacher, I was always intentional about ‘adding value’ to what is already in place in any setting. As a previous Senior Leader / SENCO, I was always intentional about securing services that provided ‘value for money’. I’ve worked with The Audit Commission on this and The National Audit Office, not to mention Business Managers and local authorities. I would also encourage readers to explore their ‘decommissioning process’. As a long-standing Education Change Consultant, my team & I always write our exit plans before we go into support. This is regardless of whether we are working in the UK or overseas. I am continuously amazed how many schools/colleges rely on the same service for years, even if there is no impact evidence of change through the input they are buying in. Over the years, training head teachers at national conferences, I have always advocated ‘procurement with precision’. Even at local authority level, I think provision would be better if Porter’s Forces were applied during the annual review of an EHCP in regard to placement choices, especially non-maintained Independent schools (NMIs). Supplier power through exuberant price hikes, in a time when there is a shortage of places, is both immoral and financially unsustainable. This is just the start of the conversation, but with a few systemic tweaks – schools and colleges can begin to look differently at provision. Still meeting the needs of children and young people but reducing the strain on financial resources and human manpower. Do get in touch if you would like to find out more. Author: Dr Anita Devi dr. h.c. Dr Anita Devi , leading SEND specialist, and Katherine Robertson , strategic finance expert, have joined forces to offer a new advisory service for schools and colleges . This service is designed to provide strategic financial governance of SEND provision, focusing on efficiency, effectiveness, and value for money . We help you explore financially sustainable solutions that support early intervention, improve outcomes, and make the most of every pound spent, without compromising on quality. If you're ready to rethink how SEND resources are used in your setting, contact us for a preliminary conversation at SEND_Finance@youtopia.co.uk 📢 And keep an eye out for our upcoming blog
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