There is a popular phrase out there that goes: "Hater's are my motivators." For some, there are some truths to this, but it can also be a false sense of motivation.

Someone who "hates" you usually can care less about you, in all areas of your life, the only thing they care about is to see you fail. Over the years, I have encountered people who consider that phrase to be their "motto."

One of the hardest things in college is discovering what motivates you, what you're passionate about, where you want to go in life. Some students struggle with classes and involvement — not because they are not smart or lack social skills, they simply don't see the point of any of this. The key to solving that feeling of apathy is finding what motivates you, what keeps their heart alive and active.

If you ask me, motivation is built within our souls and we are born with what motivates us. I don't believe motivation is an outside source that we attain in the future.

If you remember, as a kid, the things you used to say, write about, dream about or sing about, you will begin to discover that motivation from your inner man. It was there from the very beginning of your birth, and it is up to you to take the time to discover what truly moves your heart. Unless motivation is discovered, the spirit of apathy will consume your heart. As a result of not knowing truly what motivates you, haters then become your only motivation.

If you have the mindset that you are pursuing whatever you a pursuing in order to prove others wrong, haters are your motivation

If you have nothing else that drives you to achieve your goals other than the fact that someone told you you couldn't, haters are your motivation

If you succeed, but do not feel satisfied because that guy/girl who doesn't like you didn't see you succeed, haters are your motivation

If we wake up and have to find inspiration from "they said I couldn't make it," haters are your motivation

By now, I believe you get my point.

Haters should never be your motivation. You are giving them some of the most valuable things in your life like time, attention, focus, thought, emotion, desire and more.

Forget about those who told you that you couldn't make it, or that you are worthless and that you will never success. That was the past, and what is way more important than that is the future and what keeps you going everyday and pursuing your dreams.

Focus on the people who love you, who encourage you, give you advice, pat you on the back, give you a high five in good and bad times. Let the negative words of your "haters" only be a stepping stool to success. Perhaps the only reason they hate you is because they see the value and the potential for greatness in you.

Spend less time letting your haters motivate you, and more time discovering what you are really passionate about. One thing I have discovered is that what often bothers and troubles us about society, is where our motivation and passion usually lie. Pay attention to the social issues that makes you upset or a little uneasy.

As I mentioned, what motivates you is already in your heart. In the hustle of life, slow down for a few days and spend time discovering that internal motivation, read through your old journals and diaries, have conversations with friends and loved one's, research some issues that bother you, volunteer in your community. These are all great ways to discover your motivation, which is really discovering yourself.

Let's substitute the word "haters" and replace something worth our attention. (Fill in the blank): ___________ is/are my motivation. Let the "haters" hate and allow your future to soar!