A Nation of Naters

We have coined a term for individuals around us who are negative, close-minded, and quick to criticize anything that challenges their comfort zone: we refer to these reactive individuals as "Naters" (negative haters). As their comfort diminishes, their defenses rise, and depending on how they cope with this stress, they either lash out angrily or withdraw and dismiss.

This negativity leads to a stagnation of empathy, inhibiting progress and growth within our communities, businesses, schools, and families.

While we aspire to say, "Let's strive to be better. Let's be open-minded and embrace change, even if it's uncomfortable at first," we recognize that it's not that simple. Changing mindsets is challenging; people need to be willing and open to change. Unfortunately, genuine openness often only occurs when individuals are forced to adapt due to a tragedy or a significant event that leaves them with no other option.

Our modern lifestyles tend to trigger our stress responses, keeping us in a state of defensiveness, reactivity, and superficial living, often without our awareness.

To encourage positive progress and growth, we must become engaged, active listeners who are willing to look deeper than surface-level security. By doing this, we can forge a clear path forward to rebuild trusting relationships. Working collaboratively, we can create families, businesses, schools, and communities that are fulfilling and thrive for years to come.

So, how do we navigate this when change is so difficult for many of us?

We can take small steps that yield significant results in managing our stress levels. When we aren't in fight-or-flight mode, we can slow down, consider alternative perspectives, and enhance our problem-solving creativity.

Subscribe to our blog and work with us to discover simple steps you can take to lower your stress response, positively impact your well-being, and ultimately improve your connections in life.