friends?
I walk into an event. I’m looking forward to seeing you. I look across and there you are.
I start to walk over. Then I notice the people standing around you. They’re a few folks you sometimes hang with. You call them friends. I’m not so sure they live up to that title where you’re concerned. One’s a whiner. One’s a complainer, One’s a slacker. All three are takers. You give them your best and all they seem to give you is more of their problems to solve. They don’t see you, only what you can do for them.
You haven’t noticed that you keep giving your energy to folks who don’t energize you.
I was set to have a great “let’s catch up” conversation, to find out what you’re doing, to tell you about some people I’ve met who might be able to help you move forward. I value what you know, what you can do, what you’re willing to invest in learning.
But I’ve been part of the group you’re with on other occasions. Those three around you always talk about the same things — mostly gossip and what’s unfair about the world. If we try to talk about the future, they will hijack the conversation with negativity and distractions.
I reconsider. I’m not ready to share my contacts if they will have to navigate through that group.
I say a brief hello and keep moving. You never know that I’m waiting for you.
Are the people around you helping you grow or holding you down?
It’s not loyalty or friendship, or even business, if the the energy and positivity isn’t coming back to you.
Surround yourself with folks who can see you and value you.
You’ll have more energy, more confidence, and more positive people who want to spend time with you.
Please do.
