Podcast Episode 219 - 10 Sure Fire Ways to Stay Stuck - #4 Hang Out with Negative People
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Is it hard to stay positive with all the negativity around you?
How do the people around you make you feel, think and act?
Do they have a positive or negative influence on you?
We’re continuing our series on 10 Sure Fire Ways to Stay Stuck…next up–people. People are a key, sure-fire way to stay stuck if you’re not careful.
Today is for you if…
If you’re tired of being dragged down by the naysayers around you.
If you desire to enjoy your life on the way to where you’re going.
If you’re ready to choose your future instead of it being chosen for you.
So far in this series, we’ve tackled three sure-fire ways to stay stuck…#1 Stop learning and #2 Stay in your comfort zone, and #3 Failure isn’t an option. Today, let’s talk about people. No, I’m not saying let’s gossip. Let’s talk about how who you hang out with will determine your destiny.
#4 Sure-Fire Way to Stay Stuck – Hang Out with Negative People Going Nowhere
Have you ever noticed that being positive is hard if you’re around negativity for too long? Why does this matter?
Jim Rohn is attributed with saying, “Showing me your friends and I’ll show you your future.” If you have dreams to fulfill your God-given purpose, then who you surround yourself with matters.
Years ago, when I was in my first marriage, my mom told me, “You’re getting critical.” I thought, what?! Then I realized I was becoming like my husband…a critic. He was in film and video and would continually make snide comments on other film artists’ work and then complain about everyone at his work. It also hit me that everyone he hung out with at the time, except for one person, was critical too.
“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” ––Jim Rohn
So is your average getting you to your dreams? Or are you stuck in the group lowering the curve?
Sure-Fire Way to Succeed – Surround Yourself with Positive People
Spend time with people who inspire and motivate you to be your best self. Positive energy is contagious; being around positive people can help you grow.
Hanging out with positive people can also significantly impact your well-being and mindset.
Here are five ways to surround yourself with more positive people:
1. Join Clubs and Groups
Join clubs or groups of people who share similar interests as you. You’re more likely to find like-minded positive people who share your passions and values in these settings.
I found my peeps in Women of Audacious Faith—a group of businesswomen who mix our faith and business. We do a once-a-month Zoom call and have a Facebook group where we can connect, get questions answered, get feedback on what we’re working on and celebrate our wins together. If this is something you’re interested in, I’ve got a link right here…it’s free to join.
2. Attend Workshops and Events
Attend workshops, seminars or events on topics that interest you, such as personal development, wellness, or volunteering.
These events are great opportunities to meet people interested in personal growth, positivity and building networks.
I just joined a course that had a Facebook group. We had to shoot a video to introduce ourselves. I then connected with a gal who is also in the Christian market. She’s a therapist and wants also to do coaching. We got to talk about Enneagram, and it was awesome!
3. Listen, Read and Watch Positive Content
Who you listen to, read and watch also affects you positively or negatively. These people affect you, too, even if you don’t know them personally.
I remember during the elections with Bill Clinton, both of elections; I was listening to a radio personality that was very negative towards this candidate. I remember taking on this negativity, and not only that; my stress level went through the roof. I had to cut out the negative show. I didn’t need the radio show to make an informed decision, and I’m better off cutting it out.
4. Be Positive and Attract Positivity
Positivity attracts positivity. Look in the mirror. Are you the kind of person a positive person, would want to hang out with?
Your positivity attracts like-minded individuals into your life, or you can repel them.
Practice kindness, supportiveness and empathy towards others, which tend to attract similar people into your life.
5. Cut Toxic People Out of Your Life
Identify toxic people in your life and distance yourself from them. People who are constantly negative, pessimistic, or critical can drain you of your positive energy and hinder your personal growth.
Set boundaries, prioritize your well-being to keep a positive mindset, and hang out with people who’ll uplift and support you. If they’re family, you may not be able to cut them out entirely, but you can learn to set boundaries.
If you need help with boundaries, Dr. Henry Cloud has several books on boundaries*. I’ve got a link below.
Think of it this way…
Hang out with the people who make you forget to look at your phone.
The bottom line is you can’t change people, but you can change the people you hang out with.
You got this, and Father’s got you!
Thanks a bunch for listening!
Until Next Time, Live Fearlessly Free!
Resources:
Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life by Henry Cloud and John Townsend*: https://amzn.to/3mOYO79
Women of Audacious Faith Business Community (Facebook Group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/wafcommunity
Just click join–it’s free.
*Amazon affiliate link; I will receive a small commission if you purchase through this link.