Tall poppy syndrome is alive and well in Australia and it’s not just celebrities and sports stars in people’s sights.

Whenever someone achieves success, tries something new, or seeks to better themselves – whether in business, their career, or personal life – there will always be detractors and people who try to knock them down; to ‘put them back in their box’ or ‘bring them down a peg or two’.

Unfortunately sometimes these people can be those who are close to you. The people who should be amongst your biggest supporters. Your family. Your friends.

It doesn’t matter if the success is on a big or small scale, whether you are boastful about your achievements or modest, the knockers will always be there. Always.

But you know what? That’s their problem, not yours.

Those who criticise, mock and detract are most likely threatened by your success, or even the simple fact that you were so bold as to challenge yourself to achieve something.

Often, your success shines a light on their lack of drive and achievement, and that can be confronting for them. They would never admit it, but they envy you. They’re jealous, therefore they knock you.

Don’t let another person’s insecurities and negativity stop you from aiming high, striving for success, trying new things, and reaching your dreams.

Surround yourself with people who lift you up, who encourage your ambition and celebrate your successes; and you do the same for others. Celebrate the achievements of your friends, support their endeavours, and let their success spur you on to pursue your own goals.

And for the knockers out there who are so quick to put other people down: Get back in your box. Trying to dim someone else’s light doesn’t make yours shine any brighter.