One of the most challenging things in life is learning how to navigate around negativity. All types surround you every single day, from subtle hints to in-your-face.
If you are going to be successful like me, you need to learn how to get rid of it all. I want you to learn to brush it off like a piece of white lint on a black shirt. If you think that is impossible, throw that thought away. You can and will be hugely successful.
You must first learn how to recognize it in all of its ugly forms. You already know the types that are in your face. A good example is a statement like, "That is a stupid idea." Or, "You are never going to be rich, so get it out of your head." These are easily upsetting and negative for obvious reasons. They are also physically harmful to you.
The more subtle type is a statement like, "Are you sure you want to do that?" Or, "I don't know if you should try that." These types of statements come across as possibly helpful, especially if they come from a loved one or family member. The thing is, this person is not helping you by bringing doubts into your ideas.
Do not confuse the above with legitimate questioning. My wife asked me about this writing and its purpose. I answered, and she understood. Her examination was not a negative thing; it was curiosity. Make sure you know the difference between assistance, which may come in the form of a question, and negativity.
The people you surround yourself with must always be positive and want to follow you down the rabbit hole. It shouldn't matter what you want to accomplish or how crazy your idea seems to them. It doesn't matter if you have failed one hundred times before. You need family, friends, business partners, and employees who are all on the same wavelength. If just one is off, you must separate them from your group. You will know when you have the right people around you. Others will be jealous, and you will begin to recognize it as such.
Start paying much more attention in your day to day life at what people say to you. I want you to begin to interpret what is negativity and how to avoid it, and you must avoid it like the plague.
It may be hard to walk away from friends or family. Keep in mind that with family, you can be distant blood, which means you avoid them as much as possible while remaining loyal if a crisis arises. With friends, they are not real if they are always negative. You can and will do better without them if they cannot back you. It may take time to separate, but in time you will end up with better, more positive friends.
Also, do not get involved in political arguments because it will never end well. Do not get involved in other peoples' relationship issues. Take control of your relationships, and make sure you are the leader.
Remember, the above will be difficult for you and the people around you. No one ever succeeded without difficulty. I want you to know how incredibly successful people become that way. They surround themselves with people who follow and help, not people who argue and cause drama. You must do the same and always reevaluate each relationship as the business progresses.
Now, let's talk about the physical effects of negativity. There is a legitimate reason to walk away. It physically harms your mind and your body. When you encounter a stressful situation, your body reacts by releasing the hormone cortisol. Having a little in your system is ok. However, the long-term or persistent release of cortisol into the bloodstream causes severe and lasting damage. Cortisol can cause upset stomach, headaches, anxiety, depression, and change your metabolism. Stressed-out people gain or lose significant amounts of weight, and your immune system will begin to have issues fighting inflammation.
Stress begins with something negative, that leads to anxiety. Anxiety leads to depression and illness and can lead to an untimely death. Wouldn't it be a good idea for your health and well being to avoid all of this?
If you have ever been on an airplane, they always tell you that in an emergency, place your oxygen mask on first, then help those around you. The same advice fits in business. Make sure you are drama and negativity-free before you build your business.
Thanks for reading. If you like this or any of my other articles, please make sure and share them on social media.
-Lonnie Passoff
Founder and President
Green Payment Processing
About the Author:
Lonnie Passoff started the first-ever internet-only electronic check processing firm in 2008. It has grown to be the largest e-check processor on the planet. A veteran of the United States Army, he has become a multi-millionaire through honest, smart business practices. He frequently speaks at business conventions and is a paid advisor to multiple corporations. He also holds a seat on the board of breast cancer non-profit, as well as a clean ocean initiative in the Caribbean.