What Haters Really Mean...

✨ 2025 GOAL: THRIVE NOW!✨ 

2025 is the year to THRIVE! This year I’m dedicated to sharing valuable gems and resources to help you make this your best year yet. Let’s commit to asking ourselves one powerful question all year long: “How can I thrive right now?”

This Month’s Theme: Confidence is Key

Ever had a workplace bully try to tear you down, making you question your worth?

I was talking with a friend the other day about how our workplaces have the potential to shape our entire outlook on work and how the places where we work have the potential to effect our mental health (both negatively and positively).

So today, I want to equip you with a tool I like to call: The Hater Translator.

It’s a concept and now a tool (see it here) that I came up with after being bullied in the workplace. Instead of focusing on the negatively that a bully spews, I break down what the workplace bully really means, and most importantly, how to confidently stand up to them.

Because the truth is: confidence is your best weapon against a bully. Let’s dive in!

Workplace Bully Says: “You’re not a team player.”

Translation: You have strong boundaries and don’t tolerate being taken advantage of. Standing up for yourself doesn’t make you difficult, it makes you self-respecting.

How to Stand Up: Next time someone implies you’re not a team player, calmly respond with: “I believe teamwork means supporting each other while also maintaining healthy boundaries. I’m happy to collaborate, but I also respect my own limits.”

Confidence Booster: For the next week, track moments where you feel pressured to overextend yourself. Practice saying “no” in small, low-risk situations to build confidence in setting boundaries.

Workplace Bully Says: “You don’t belong here.”

Translation: You challenge the norm, and that intimidates them. If you feel out of place, it’s probably because you’re growing beyond your current environment.

How to Stand Up: Respond with: “I bring unique strengths to the table, and I contribute in my own way. Every workplace benefits from different perspectives.”

Confidence Booster: Instead of questioning whether you fit in, ask yourself if this place fits who you’re becoming. If not, take one proactive step by networking, exploring new roles, or seeking mentorship to find a space where you truly thrive.

*Bonus Power Move: Make Networking Easy (and Actually Happen)

If you’ve outgrown your current environment, the next move is clear: start networking.

But I don’t live in la la land, and I know networking isn’t always ~easy~

Especially when it comes to scheduling meetings, sending reminders, and juggling follow-ups. It’s a headache. But I recently found Honeybook, and I use it non-stop.

If you’ve ever had a virtual coffee chat with me, you’ve already used Honeybook!

I like Honeybook because it takes the stress out of networking by auto-scheduling meetings, sending email and text reminders, and even letting you charge for your time (because sometimes, you might need to charge for expertise 👀). It keeps you organized, professional, and consistently in front of the right people, without all the back-and-forth.

Your next opportunity starts with a conversation. Make it easy to say “yes” to more of them with Honeybook.

*affiliate content

Workplace Bully Says: “You’re not leadership material.”

Translation: You don’t conform to their outdated idea of leadership. True leaders challenge norms, think independently, and elevate others. Maybe you’re not their kind of leader, but that doesn’t mean you’re not one.

How to Stand Up: Respond with: “Leadership comes in many forms. I focus on leading by example, encouraging collaboration, and fostering innovation. I’d love to hear what leadership qualities you value.”

Confidence Booster: Identify one leadership skill you naturally have and put it into action this week. Whether it’s mentoring a colleague, speaking up in a meeting, or taking initiative on a project. Need help identifying your leadership style? Take this quiz.

Workplace Bully Says: “You ask too many questions.”

Translation: You think critically and don’t blindly accept what you’re told. That’s a strength, not a weakness. Innovation comes from those who question the status quo.

How to Stand Up: Say with confidence: “Asking questions leads to better decisions and stronger solutions. I believe a curious mind is an asset, not a liability.”

Confidence Booster: Challenge yourself to ask one thought-provoking question in your next team meeting. Observe how it impacts the conversation.

Workplace Bully Says: “You’re too sensitive.”

Translation: You have emotional intelligence and empathy. These are qualities that are invaluable in the modern workplace. Sensitivity isn’t a flaw; it’s a skill.

How to Stand Up: Assert yourself by saying: “Emotional intelligence is a key leadership skill. Understanding people’s emotions helps build stronger teams and better workplaces.”

Confidence Booster: Write down three ways your emotional intelligence has helped you succeed at work. Use these examples as a reminder that your sensitivity is a strength.

Here’s the secret: Confidence disarms bullies. When you stand tall, set boundaries, and own your strengths, their words lose power.

So next time someone tries to tear you down at work, don’t just translate their words, stand up for yourself with confidence.

Hit Reply: I want to know. Have you stood up to a workplace bully lately? How did you do it? Reply and let’s talk.

More 2025 Thrive Now Resources

Life Is Too Short to Wait For The “Perfect” Time!

If you’re ready to stop overthinking and start doing, that’s exactly what my Momentum Sessions are for.

These aren’t just strategy calls, they’re live action labs where we tackle the exact challenges keeping you stuck and start solving them in real time.

Ready to change your life?

Thriving isn’t a one-time event. We’re creating our own opportunities all 2025!

Deja White
Founder, Breakroom Buddha
breakroombuddha.com/thrive