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 outlook shifts for the better, and that shift ripples straight into your work. You make clearer decisions, protect your energy, and actually move the needle on the business you're building around the life you want.

When you surround yourself with negative people, it has the reverse impact and can take a huge toll on both your business and your happiness in general. If you receive ninety-nine positive reviews or compliments and one negative, you're going to dwell on that one negative comment, which can be a huge distraction from everything else going on in your life. It's just how we're wired, so it's important to surround yourself with positive influences 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. When you're a solopreneur, this gets tricky. It might be a client who drains you, a family member who questions why you left the "safe" job, or a peer who resents your independence. You can't always walk away, so it's important to take precautions to ensure they have as minimal an impact on you as possible.

You need to stick to who you are and surround yourself with people who support you and 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. Building solo can be isolating, so seek out other founders, creators, and independents who get the path you've chosen. By ridding yourself of toxic relationships, you'll actually end up attracting more positive people, and expanding that network expands the 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 these conversations can be exhausting, so take control and steer toward positive things. Try to get them to engage in upbeat, optimistic topics.

Be Aware Of Negativity in Your Work
Whether it's an online community, a client relationship, or a founder group chat, your work world can be a breeding ground for negative distractions: comparison, gossip, and complaint spirals that masquerade as connection. If you're building something of your own, 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 (client thank-yous, testimonials, kind notes) and refer back to it whenever you need inspiration or an instant mood boost. Pictures of happy times work well for the same results.

Food for Thought: How does your current tribe make you feel, and is it moving you toward the life you're building, or away from it?

Want a great, supportive, and uplifting community? Be sure to join LifeStarr Intro and join our tribe of life-first solopreneurs!