As you begin to discover your own personal power, you run the risk of attracting the wrong sort of people. The kind of people who deflect you from your life’s purpose. Here’s my guide to spotting the ones who will hold you back from your success.
1. Pessimists
Nothing is ever going to work according to the pessimist. It’s bound to go wrong so why bother starting.
2. Cynics
These people are just too smart, smug or cool to consider that your ideas may be successful.
3. Nay-Sayers
According to them, whatever you choose to do is never going to be successful. If you decide to start something, they’ll find a dozen reasons why you shouldn’t. Check their facts & if they’re wrong, ignore them.
4. Critics
The critic will always try to sabotage what you do.
5. Sycophants
The sycophant will tell you everything is great even when it isn’t. They can be more damaging than the critics because their words are so alluring. We all want to hear praise.
6. Miserable Gits
The miserable git just mopes along sucking your energy from you. They never offer a helpful suggestion or idea. They always have a dark raincloud above their heads.
7. False Friends
These people pretend to be on your side, but can’t really be trusted. Everyone’s had at least one of these in their life. I bet you have. Watch out for them.
8. Competitors
Many people may not agree with me here but this is what I believe. When you stop competing with others and start competing with yourself you take your work up to a much higher level, and it shows. Your clients will notice the difference.
9. Takers
They’re easy to spot over time. They always need help but never return the favour. When you start to build influence, you become a magnet for these people. Avoid.
10. Control Freaks
You know these ones: they want to tell you how to do everything. Many poor managers fall into this category. They’ll extract they joy out of doing anything and kill creative inspiration.
11. Professional Victims
The professional victim is always in need of help. Every day is an emotional crisis and they can’t possibly cope another second without your help. They have a talent for needing help at a time that’s least convenient to you. They’re a bottomless pit that refuse to accept advice that empowers them. Avoid. Like. The Plague.
12. Mr I’m Always Right
We’ve all met this guy (and yes it is usually a guy). He always has a better way to do it than you. He’s an insufferable know-all as well. An expert on everything, of course. According to him.
Joe Pesci
13. Contrarians
These people are like Joe Pesci in the film “My Cousin Vinny”. They love to argue. If you say no, they say yes. If you look up, they look down. If they did it for constructive reasons, it would be okay. But they don’t, they just enjoy it. They’re a waste of energy.
14. Evangelists
These people are the worst of all in my opinion. They don’t care what you want or need. They’ve seen the light and can’t wait to transform you whether you want it or not. They want you to think as they think and do as they do. Nothing short of total compliance will do. Whether it’s the latest sales technique or the newest social media toy, they’ll try and squeeze you into their preference.
The Next Step
Just look around you. What do you see? Spotted a sycophant? Collared a contrarian? Move away with a firm stride and a steely glint in your eye. You’ll be much better off. Stick around people who give honest advice, even when you don’t want to hear it; cultivate people who respect you and care about your success.
