When you listen to today's podcast (if you haven't already) you will be able to tell that I get very passionate about this topic. Actually, you will hear some frustration expressed about those that will do everything that they can to KEEP YOU from making positive progress in your life!
Think about it. Let's use the example of deciding to lose weight. You share your news with several of your "friends" and prepare to begin your journey. Likely, even at the mention of your plans you will have one of your "friends" (you may want to reconsider this label) drop a "negative grenade" on your plans. They may say something like, "Oh, why do you want to waste your time doing that? You're just like the rest of us - you can't lose weight!"
I know that, already, some of you are nodding your head because you've experienced this, haven't you?
And these so-called "friends" will continue to be negative anytime you share your progress. As a matter of fact, they will even share their negative comments even if you DON'T share your progress. For example, you walk into the office and they may say, "Hey, I thought you were on a diet? Have you started it yet?" They may even do things like offer you a piece of cake or a doughnut and then say, "Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot you were trying to lose weight!" NOTICE: They DID NOT forget! They are trying to
sabotage your efforts - you can be sure of that!
And then they will whine and complain about the fact that they "need" to lose weight and about how they can't and they wish they could.
I think the Greek word for that is.... HOGWASH!
So, yeah, I do get a little upset at people like that. It makes it hard for anyone that tries to make a positive move in their life. By the way, you can use any example that you want, and the result will be the same - you will have others that are determined to keep you where they are. Why? For one, they don't want the "spotlight" shining on them and their inability to even produce the DESIRE to actually DO SOMETHING about the state of their lives.
I actually know of a husband that, in years past would actually unhook wires under the hood of his wife's car so that she could not do something that would improve her life. ARE YOU KIDDING ME??
So, it is important to instill this determination deep within -YES, YOU CAN! Although it may be hard you MUST block out these negative forces and, yes, you may even need to withdraw from the situation. Again, reconsider how much of a "friend" they actually are when, instead of encouraging you and being happy for you, they try to derail your efforts.
Sometimes we can't. Sometimes we live with them. And, yes, you need to sit down with them and try to talk to them about what they are actually doing (they usually already know it and
will deny it). What do you do if they still don't listen?
LOAD UP ON THE POSITIVE!
Think of it as a scale that has two sides to show what object is heavier. You must do everything within your power to make sure that the POSITIVE outweighs the NEGATIVE!
The very fact that you are reading this shows that you are making an effort to do just that. If it's not enough - then find more positive things to incorporate into your life and RID your life of ANYTHING negative that will fight you in this effort to tip the scale in your positive side. Hint: pay attention to what you watch on t.v. and read in newspapers/magazines/on-line.
Again, it's up to you. We (you and I) cannot expect others to do it for us. Yes, there are friends that actually DO encourage us and help us along the way - aren't you glad? But, we still cannot rely on them to do it for us. It's up to us!
And, KNOW -- deep inside - KNOW THAT YOU CAN!
And, finally, always
remember to...
"Make it an AWESOME Day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
Spillman
