Turning the Tables on the Trolls

We see them all the time—people leaving terrible comments on social media posts.

The trolls are enough to make you want to hide and not engage on Instagram or YouTube or BlueSky.

But we have to engage with the world, to put our work, our businesses, our services, out there. Because we know that someone resonates with what we offer, even as others don’t.

And a few weeks ago, it was my turn to be trolled.

On one of my YouTube shorts, a troll left this gem:

“I can’t believe you waste your life doing this.”

The first natural reaction is to be angry. How dare somebody completely dismiss what I’m doing? Don’t they know what I’m trying to accomplish here?

No, they don’t, and no—they don’t care.

Most of these trolls are looking for engagement—they are looking to get into a skirmish online because it makes their day making someone else angry or upset.

It’s strange to me, as I’m sure it is to you.

But, as I discovered, there is another route to responding, and having the right mindset to deal with inevitable criticism that comes your way.

My initial response wasn’t to get angry, or upset, shake my fist at the world.

It was simply to laugh.

That’s it. Just laugh and wonder why someone would spend their energy coming after me.

I read the comment, took a screenshot for proof, and left the comment right where it remains.

(The troll also believes I’m AI-generated. I’m here to tell you I’m not.)

Laughing it off, moving ahead

My laughter took me by surprise. Seeing a comment like that would naturally bring me down.

But my mindset around these things has shifted, to one of accepting that if I put my thoughts out there, some will resonate with them. And others won’t.

Your mindset around disappointments, terrible comments and setbacks should be to not hold resentment. It’s knowing that what you do in your career, and in your life, holds value.

And when you know this, the trolls you come across—online and in real life—can’t harm you.

Here are three things to remember as you put yourself out there, and people try to take shots at you:

Don't feed the trolls

It's a saying as old as the internet itself. But it’s profound wisdom that goes beyond just avoiding online arguments. When someone throws negativity your way, engaging with them only validates their approach.

Think about it this way: when you're climbing a mountain, you don't stop to argue with every person who says you'll never make it to the top. You keep climbing. That same principle applies here. Your energy is your most precious resource—invest it wisely.

It's not about you

This might be the most liberating realization you can have. When someone criticizes your work harshly or dismisses your efforts, it usually says more about them than about you.

That person leaving the "waste of life" comment on my video? They may be struggling with their own journey, their own choices, their own fears.

This applies beyond our online lives. In your workplace, when a colleague dismisses your ideas or a manager seems unnecessarily critical, remember: their reaction often stems from their own insecurities, challenges, or bad days. In no way does this excuse bad behavior, but understanding this can help you maintain your peace.

Stay curious

It might seem like a strange way to deal with criticism, but it could transform how you handle negative interactions. Rather than get defensive, get inquisitive.

What makes someone take time out of their day to leave a negative comment? What can this teach me about human behavior? About communication? About resilience?

You can turn criticism into a learning tool. Every negative comment becomes a case study in human psychology and an opportunity for self-reflection. That comment about wasting my life? It made me look at my choices and ultimately reinforced my belief that yes, I'm on the right path.

When you put yourself out there—whether it’s switching careers, starting a business, or sharing your expertise—you'll face resistance. Somebody’s going to question your choices. Somebody will try to discourage you. A few might even try to tear you down.

This is what I've learned: the volume of criticism often parallels the impact you're making. If you're getting pushback, you're probably pushing boundaries. If you're getting criticism, you're likely challenging the status quo. If you're attracting trolls, you're visible enough to matter.

The kind of criticism I faced with that troll brought to mind a quote from a former football player, Trent Shelton: You are enough for the hearts that need you.

That troll may not need my heart, but others do. And that’s how I spend my days: helping people transform their lives.

I’m Richard Taliaferro. I’m a certified health and career coach specializing in helping mid-stage professionals gain clarity on their career journey. I’ve written a guide on how to escape the work hamster wheel.

Click here to

download yours.