Who You Surround Yourself With Matters A Lot - Here's Why

"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great." - Mark Twain

Did you know that when you surround yourself with positive people, you actually start being more positive (glass half full, anyone?). Your attitude on how you approach things actually changes for the better, allowing you to be more productive and accomplish the things that you set out to achieve.

When you surround yourself with negative people, it actually has the reverse impact and can take a huge toll on your path to success (and happiness in general). If you receive ninety-nine positive reviews or compliments and one negative, you’re going to dwell on and pay attention to that one negative comment, which can be a huge distraction from almost everything else going on in your life. It’s just how we’re wired, so it’s important that you try to surround yourself with positive influences in order to keep your momentum going forward.

Negativity is contagious. You don’t want it to become your primary thought pattern.

The issue is, completely cutting toxic people out of your life is often easier said than done. What if the person is a co-worker you sit next to or even family? It’s important that you take precautions to ensure they have as minimal of an impact on you as possible.

You need to stick to who you are and surround yourself with the people who support you and support your goals and ambitions. As the great Dr. Seuss once said, “Be who you are and say what you feel, because in the end those who matter don't mind and those who mind don't matter.”

Actionable Steps

Find Your Tribe

Above all else, make it a priority to surround yourself with people who lift you up, inspire you, and fill your life with positivity. You’ll find that by ridding yourself of toxic relationships you’ll actually end up attracting more positive people. By continuing to expand your network of positive influences, you’ll be able to expand the number of opportunities that come your way.

Lead By Example

When you’re with a group of people, be the positive person. Be the one who brightens the mood and lifts the spirits of those around you. It’s contagious! All you need to do is take matters into your own hands.

Don’t Participate In Negative Talk With Others 

We all have a Negative Nancy in our life, where all they seem to do is complain. Participating in conversations with these types of people can be exhausting, so you need to take control of the conversation and talk about positive things. Try to get them to engage in upbeat, optimistic topics.

Be Aware Of Workplace Negativity

The workplace, whether remote or in person, can be a huge breeding ground for negative distractions, and it can be easy to get sucked into office gossip as a means of social currency. If you’re hoping to excel at your job, leave that currency on the table. It’s not worth your time in the long run.

Focus on The Positive

You will encounter negativity. It’s life, but you just can’t dwell on it. No matter the circumstance, try to focus on the positive. It takes practice, but for your state of mind, it’s worth it. Your future successful self will thank you.

Keep Positive Comments Handy

Consider keeping a folder of all the nice things people have said about you over the years and refer back to it whenever you need inspiration or an instant mood boost. Pictures of happy times also work really well for the same results.

Food for Thought: How does your current tribe make you feel?