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Prove them wrong

About this lesson

In a world filled with distractions and negativity, the influence of critics can be overwhelming. However, this message inspires resilience and determination. The speaker challenges listeners to transform hate into motivation, encouraging them not to be swayed by the opinions of others. This lesson is particularly important for those striving for success, as it emphasizes the need to focus on personal goals rather than external judgment. As you listen, pay attention to the strategies presented for overcoming negativity and the importance of maintaining a strong mindset in the face of adversity. You will practice recognizing motivational language and the power of perseverance.

What you will learn

  • Identify and understand motivational language and phrases.
  • Analyze the role of criticism in personal development.
  • Practice using vocabulary related to motivation and perseverance.
  • Discuss the impact of external opinions on personal goals.
Instructions

1. Vocabulary

Read the vocabulary list to familiarize yourself with key terms.

2. Watch

Watch the video once without worrying about filling in the gaps.

3. Fill in

Fill in the gaps while watching the video again.

4. Review

Read the full text and watch again to consolidate.

Gap Fill Exercise (Script)
Haters motivate me. 'Cause when they're talking about me, that means I'm doing something. You see, while you're over there, watching me and talking about me, I'm working. I'm working hard. I'm taking things to the next level. You keep gossiping and I'll keep working. You keep talking and I'll keep working. You keep focusing on everything and everyone else and I'll keep working. And when you finally look around at where you are and where I'm at, you'll realize that you have nothing left to talk about. And you will lose and I will win. That person who is your hater, they thought they defeated you. That person who told you, you'll never amount to anything, they thought they defeated you. Use them for fuel. Use them for energy. Put them on the mental Rolodex in your mind. And when you don't wanna do anything, roll your brain, put up that person that you need, that person who said you couldn't do something, use it for energy. Instead of killing them with kindness, torture them with success. "Oh, you're being unrealistic, you're dreaming." Yes, I am dreaming. See, a lot of people have dreaming. Don't you stop dreaming. You're gonna get up, you're gonna get dressed, you're gonna get out and you're gonna do what you've been called to do. You're gonna be what you've been called to be. You're gonna have and you're gonna prove to everybody that tried to break you, you're gonna prove them wrong. Everybody that tried to stop you, everybody that tried to kill your , you're gonna prove all of them wrong. When you're uncommon, get ready for the . When you're uncommon, get ready for the . When you're uncommon, get ready for the common people not to understand you. When you're uncommon, have uncommon ways, get ready for people to try and block you, and against you. Never ever allow anybody to make you feel bad about being so when you've worked your ass off to get it. You decided all the clubs, partying, out, and all that, that ain't for me. I'mma be out here running in the hot sun, practicing, playing basketball, shooting on weekends, while everyone else is and hanging out, you got your focus right. You see me in my Rolls-Royce, private planes, rooftop hotel, 5, 6-star lifestyle, I've worked my ass off to have it and you can all your little slick comments to yourself. 'Cause guess what? I don't remember the last time I lost sleep over a . Shut the noise out. Embrace the fact that people don't like you. It means you're doing something right. Develop the interior where it doesn't matter if people call you . One of the things limiting you from your income, your impact, a world-class life, is that you care too much about what people think about you. Everyone has an opinion. Why let the opinions of other people deny you from a life that will make history?
Vocabulary

smack

rude or insulting talk

He always talks smack about his competitors.

through

from one side to another; in one side and out the other

We walked through the park to get to the café.

stopped

to cease or halt an action

She stopped talking when she saw him.

dream

a series of thoughts, images, or emotions occurring during sleep; also, a cherished aspiration

He has a dream of becoming a successful artist.

criticism

the expression of disapproval based on perceived mistakes or faults

Constructive criticism can help improve your work.

opposition

resistance or dissent, expressed in action or argument

The opposition to the proposal was strong.

conspire

to plan together secretly to commit an illegal act

They conspired to take control of the company.

blessed

to be endowed with divine favor or protection

She felt blessed to have such supportive friends.

hanging

spending time with someone in a relaxed way

We spent the afternoon hanging out at the beach.

clubbing

going to nightclubs to socialize or dance

They went clubbing every weekend.

keep

to retain possession of

Please keep the change.

hater

a person who dislikes or criticizes someone or something

Don't let the haters get to you.

core

the central or most important part

The core of the problem lies in communication.

crazy

mentally deranged or extremely enthusiastic

They thought his ideas were crazy.

energy

the strength and vitality required for sustained physical or mental activity

She has a lot of energy to complete her work.

Cultural notes

The Role of Haters in Popular Culture

In many modern motivational contexts, the concept of 'haters' symbolizes those who criticize or doubt an individual's ambitions. This notion is prevalent in various music genres, sports, and entrepreneurial spheres, where overcoming negativity is celebrated as a form of success.

Pronunciation focus

Pay attention to the linking and intonation patterns in the speaker's delivery. For instance, phrases like 'gonna get up' may sound like 'gonna get up' with a reduced vowel sound. The emphasis on certain words, such as 'dream' and 'blessed,' can also enhance meaning. Listen for how the speaker uses stress to highlight key points, which can help you understand the emotional weight behind their message.

True / False Questions

1. The speaker encourages people to ignore their critics.

Show explanation
Explanation:The speaker emphasizes the importance of focusing on work rather than paying attention to criticism.

2. The speaker believes that having haters means you are doing something wrong.

Show explanation
Explanation:The speaker states that having haters indicates that you are doing something right.

3. According to the speaker, dreaming is a waste of time.

Show explanation
Explanation:The speaker encourages listeners to keep dreaming and not to stop.

4. The speaker thinks it's important to care about what others think.

Show explanation
Explanation:The speaker suggests that caring too much about others' opinions limits one's potential.

5. Success should be used as a way to get back at haters.

Show explanation
Explanation:The speaker advises using success as a means to prove haters wrong.
Open Questions

1. How can criticism be used as motivation?

Show sample answer
Sample Answer:Criticism can be used as motivation by using it as fuel to work harder and prove the critics wrong.

2. What does it mean to have an 'uncommon' mindset?

Show sample answer
Sample Answer:An 'uncommon' mindset means thinking differently from the majority and not being afraid of criticism or opposition.

3. Why is it important to keep dreaming according to the speaker?

Show sample answer
Sample Answer:It's important to keep dreaming because dreams drive ambition and help individuals to strive for their goals despite challenges.

Key takeaways

  • Transform criticism into motivation; use it as fuel for your goals.
  • Keep dreaming; ambition is vital for success.
  • An uncommon mindset can lead to extraordinary achievements.
  • Don't be disheartened by negativity; it often indicates you are on the right path.

How to study this lesson

To maximize the effectiveness of this lesson, start by listening to the transcript without any interruptions, focusing on understanding the overall message. On your second pass, take note of the vocabulary words and their meanings. Try to use them in your own sentences. As you review, consider shadowing the speaker—repeating phrases in real-time to improve your pronunciation and intonation. Finally, reflect on your personal experiences with criticism and how you can apply the speaker's advice to your life.

Full Transcript

Transcript adapted by ListenLoop for language learners. Read alongside the video to consolidate comprehension.

Haters motivate me. 'Cause when they're talking about me, that means I'm doing something. You see, while you're over there, watching me and talking about me, I'm working. I'm working hard. I'm taking things to the next level. You keep gossiping and I'll keep working. You keep talking smack and I'll keep working. You keep focusing on everything and everyone else and I'll keep working. And when you finally look around at where you are and where I'm at, you'll realize that you have nothing left to talk about. And you will lose and I will win. That person who is your hater, they thought they defeated you. That person who told you, you'll never amount to anything, they thought they defeated you. Use them for fuel. Use them for energy. Put them on the mental Rolodex in your mind. And when you don't wanna do anything, roll through your brain, put up that person that you need, that person who said you couldn't do something, use it for energy. Instead of killing them with kindness, torture them with success. "Oh, you're being unrealistic, you're dreaming." Yes, I am dreaming. See, a lot of people have stopped dreaming. Don't you stop dreaming. You're gonna get up, you're gonna get dressed, you're gonna get out and you're gonna do what you've been called to do. You're gonna be what you've been called to be. You're gonna have and you're gonna prove to everybody that tried to break you, you're gonna prove them wrong. Everybody that tried to stop you, everybody that tried to kill your dream, you're gonna prove all of them wrong. When you're uncommon, get ready for the criticism. When you're uncommon, get ready for the opposition. When you're uncommon, get ready for the common people not to understand you. When you're uncommon, have uncommon ways, get ready for people to try and block you, and conspire against you. Never ever allow anybody to make you feel bad about being so blessed when you've worked your ass off to get it. You decided all the clubs, partying, hanging out, and all that, that ain't for me. I'mma be out here running in the hot sun, practicing, playing basketball, shooting on weekends, while everyone else is clubbing and hanging out, you got your focus right. You see me in my Rolls-Royce, private planes, rooftop hotel, 5, 6-star lifestyle, I've worked my ass off to have it and you can keep all your little slick comments to yourself. 'Cause guess what? I don't remember the last time I lost sleep over a hater. Shut the noise out. Embrace the fact that people don't like you. It means you're doing something right. Develop the interior core where it doesn't matter if people call you crazy. One of the things limiting you from your income, your impact, a world-class life, is that you care too much about what people think about you. Everyone has an opinion. Why let the opinions of other people deny you from a life that will make history?

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