Danger, Will Robinson! Here comes a rant, and it’s going to get ugly.
It’s a word that is tossed around way too much these days and in a variety of contexts that either make no sense or are so ridiculously stupid as to boggle the mind (biology and bathroom preference, anyone?!).
There’s a DEGREE of variation to a standard—aka “tolerance”—that you can decide to accept… and a degree outside of that which you shouldn’t.
In other words, you don’t have to be 100% tolerant… especially when it comes to…
🎶 Dun dun DUUUUN… 🎶
…YOUR FRIENDS!
<GASP>
It’s time to start cutting people out.
People who bring you down, whether intentionally or as a byproduct of their general approach to life.
Clients that suck your will to live.
Family members who depress you.
You’ve probably heard the old Jim Rohn quote, “you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”
I’ll take that one a step further: every negative person you know, every one you spend time with, no matter how limited, takes a toll on you.
And it all adds up.
Negativity is everywhere. The news (don’t waste your time watching it), the office, and your “friend” down the hall.
Don’t subject yourself to it.
Last year, I posted something on my wall that was intended to be inspirational for an old business of mine. Perhaps it was a live video or a call to action. I don’t remember.
Some dude I used to know gave it a thumbs down.
He’s one of those guys who likes to tear people down and shock people with the way he talks.
What an ass.
Unfriended and blocked. I haven’t talked to him since.
And no, in case you were wondering, I can honestly tell you with 100% conviction that he was not really kidding with his reaction.
Why would I waste any more time on him? And so, I don’t.
If you’ve got a friend who’s constantly whining about how poorly life treats them, stop listening. It’s only going to bring you down.
Have a client that sucks you dry of motivation? Fire them.
Can’t afford to yet because you’re growing your business? Here’s a solution I borrowed from Chase Jarvis: double your rates and tell them you’re so busy you can’t get to them for a few weeks. If they still want to work with you, that price increase and your scarcity just might fix their attitude.
If it doesn’t, triple your price.
Seriously.
Have a family member that “just wants what’s best” for you but stomps on your dreams? If you can’t cut them out, stop talking to them except at Christmas.
Married to them? Go to counseling.
Seriously.
Ladies and gentlemen, it’s your life. Not your friend’s, not your mom’s, not your client’s.
Start acting like it.
Treat yourself with respect.
