In this episode, I dive into something we all experience at some point: unsolicited, judgmental, or passive-aggressive comments, especially when you're doing something that challenges other people’s comfort zones. Whether it's in your fitness journey, personal growth, or any goal you're pursuing, people will have something to say.

I talk about the difference between hurtful vs. helpful feedback, how to tell when a comment comes from insecurity or misunderstanding, and how I personally choose to respond, not react. I walk you through the mental strategies that have worked for me, what I’ve learned about not needing to win every conversation, and the importance of protecting your emotional bandwidth, especially in close relationships.

This episode is your toolkit for handling comments with clarity and boundaries, without losing your cool, or your momentum.

Timestamps:

- [00:00 – 04:13] – Introduction: Why unsolicited comments hit harder when you're growing

- [04:13 – 08:37] – Hurtful comments often come from insecurity - here’s how to spot them

- [08:37 – 13:31] – You deserve a standard of respect, but it’s not always black and white

- [13:31 – 20:29] – Real examples of comments I’ve received - and when it’s okay to push back

- [20:29 – 22:02] – My favorite mental strategies to handle unsolicited opinions

- [22:02 – 25:42] – When they downplay your work? Go three steps further instead of arguing

- [25:42 – 29:03] – You don’t have to win the conversation to keep your peace

- [29:03 – 33:50] – Keep some goals private - not everyone is safe for full access

- [33:50 – 34:44] – Don’t overextend yourself to make others comfortable

- [34:44 – 40:19] – Navigating this in relationships: how to re-diffuse the conversation

- [40:19 – 45:35] – The longer you tolerate it, the more “normal” it becomes for them

- [45:35 – 47:33] – Passive-aggressive comments: read between the lines

- [47:33 – 53:12] – Final reflections: protect your energy, protect your progress

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