Personal Development by Association

You must associate with and keep company with possibility-minded people. This is probably the single most important tip I can offer to help you stay on track and to stay motivated. Make it a point to speak with at least one positive person (besides you of course) every day. I know it may at times seem like you’re alone and that the world is overcrowded with negativity and people focusing on what’s impossible instead of the infinite possibilities. I assure you, however, quite the opposite is true. You merely need to adjust your perspective.
Years ago I was rather introverted and reluctant to approach others. Its not that I was shy at all, I think it was more of a personality quirk. There were times when I would go weeks on end without talking with anyone. In fact I was downright antisocial. But I set out to change the way I saw and interacted with the world and others. From my own past experience I now know first hand that not everyone is blessed with what I like to think of as the sociable gene.

If this sounds like you don’t worry. You can change—it’s easy.

I’m not saying that you have to completely transform your personality and become the neighborhood social star. But I am saying that you need to reach out to others and share YOU with the world—and we really do want to know you. You matter.

Start off just by smiling and saying hello to others. I know this is somewhat trite, but please try it. You’ll quickly find that others will not only usually respond warmly in kind but that they are eager to engage you. Learn to appreciate the things in life that make you and each of us unique and let others know you appreciate them. It’s contagious. I try to never let a day go by without sincerely complementing others. I admit it is difficult at times but I honestly can’t recall the last time I was unable to appreciate even some small quality in another person.

Surround yourself with good positive people and develop a network with others with whom you are mutually supportive. Then, once you have identified some special friends consider starting a mastermind group in which you can all speak freely about your goals and dreams in an positive atmosphere of sharing and trust.

Finally, if you find you are frequently around people who are negative and unsupportive you need to limit that exposure. I know you can’t cut off your family, but seriously, if they’re just too negative they’ll eventually infect you. Yes I said infect. Just like disease, too much negativity can bring you down and will eventually kill your dreams.

I have a few old friends from my childhood that are so negative you wouldn’t believe it. But I love them and just can’t seem to cut them off all together so I set very strict limits on my time with them. I know it may seem harsh but to the extent you can, try to cut out negative people altogether.  You’ll thank me later.

Peter Loughlin

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