As you embark on a journey of self-discovery and start to realise your true potential, you may find that your newfound personal power attracts a wide range of people into your life. While some of these individuals may share your vision and aspirations, others may not have your best interests at heart. In fact, they may even try to distract you from your life’s purpose.
It’s crucial to recognise that not everyone is going to be supportive of your personal growth and development. Some individuals may feel threatened by your newfound strength and confidence, and may try to undermine or sabotage your progress. They may attempt to impose their own agendas and beliefs onto you, or try to manipulate you for their own gain.
It’s important to stay focused on your goals and be vigilant about the people you allow into your life. Surround yourself with individuals who uplift and support you, and who share your vision for the future. Be mindful of those who may try to derail you from your path, and set clear boundaries to protect your energy and well-being.
Your personal power is a precious gift that should be nurtured and protected. 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. When you want to try something new, instead of getting excited with you about it, the pessimist will just point out the many ways it will go wrong. Find people who believe in your dreams as much as you do.
2. Cynics
These people are just too smart, smug or cool to consider that your ideas may be successful. The people who you allow around you should support you. You deserve that.
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. Often, they will try to disguise their criticisms by claiming that they’re trying to be helpful. But if the end result is that what they say makes you feel bad, worthless or inadequate, then you need them out of your life.
5. Sycophants
The sycophant will tell you everything is great even when it isn’t. Sycophants are like the opposite side of the coin to critics. Their honeyed words are tempting to listen to, but they can be damaging too. In order to be our best, we need a to be clear about our qualities as well as our failings. Sycophants can be even more damaging than critics because their words are so alluring. We all want to hear praise. And that’s the whole problem.
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
I’m not talking about religious zealots here (I’m not getting into that topic!), but those people who just love telling you how to live your life. 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 image.
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.