Take Souls—Flip Negativity Against You Into Tactical Advantage

David Goggins, early in his Navy SEAL training, often felt like instructors and even fellow trainees were gunning for him to fail—singling him out, calling him names, or questioning his resolve. The easy response would have been to stew in anger, play the victim, or dream up revenge. Instead, Goggins developed a habit: each barb or taunt became a reason to dominate the next drill, to outperform, and to leave his critics with nothing to say. One night, while others shivered against the cold, he stood tall and motionless, staring his adversaries down—not out of bravado, but to show himself (and them) that no amount of negativity could shake his core.

This approach wasn’t about toxic payback or humiliating others; it was a strategic transformation. By using every bit of outside pressure, he developed a resilience that could not be threatened by outside voices. When Goggins and his crew systematically outperformed expectations—winning every race, staying strong while others broke—he didn’t crow about it; he simply watched as the very people who wanted to see him quit were forced to respect his effort.

In psychology, this is known as “appraisal shift”—turning a threat or insult into a challenge that boosts performance. It is a practical way to reverse the emotional spiral of criticism and self-doubt, converting what could be a spiral down into a springboard up.

When negativity strikes—someone doubts you, mocks you, or doubts your potential—pause and let yourself feel the sting for a moment. Then, flip the script: prepare a plan to use that exact criticism as added fuel for your next set of actions, whether it means working harder, learning more, or dominating the moment others expect you to stumble. Channel all emotional energy into positive over-performance, letting results—not retaliation—speak for you. Along the way, notice how the shift changes not just others' perceptions, but your own confidence and self-image. Try this at your next real challenge or criticism and record your results.