Hey Moguls, Steve Cook here…
I can’t believe that it has been 17 years since I jumped into the real estate investing scene. It’s been over 14 years since I started my first website, and things in my life have completely changed.
I started my first website with the sole intent of giving back to others. I wanted to help as many people as I could to live extraordinary lives. In fact, it was my goal to help as many people as I could to become successful. I knew that if my life was dedicated to helping others be successful, then I’d probably be successful as well.
What about you?
Do you always go into situations thinking about ‘me, me, me?’ I strongly encourage you to put others first, and in turn, you will be rewarded – but, remember, you have to not think of yourself first and definitely don’t expect something in return. Does that sound like you? Take a hard look at yourself, you might not like what you see all the time, but you can always be improving and growing.
For me, I have always taken great joy in helping others. I’ve been so blessed that I never really needed anything in return except the occasional pat on the back or a thank you. I didn’t require that, but it sure fueled the fire to keep on doing it. A letter, postcard or email from someone telling me how my teaching helped to change their life just makes my day.
Keep it Positive
Back when I started that first website, I did everything I could to find the absolute best in everyone. I could find good in the worst of situations and be thankful for it.
When I got around negative people, I simply moved on. It wasn’t personal, I just didn’t have time for it.
I was living a great life, and so much of it was my attitude. I refused to think negatively or with scarcity. There is more than enough for everyone, and I desired to see everyone pursue all they ever wanted.
I have to confess, though, I miss those days. I’ve gotten far away from that. Looking back at my previous year in business, preceding this one, it was a great year in many respects, but I’ve fallen far from the person I once was.
What happened? I’ve had my fair share of trials but the biggest issue: Negative people.
Unfortunately, I’ve let a lot of negative people creep into my life.
People who…
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do nothing but complain because it makes them feel important.
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are critical of everything and nothing is ever good enough.
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aren’t grateful for anything, and they don’t like what they have but want more.
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have super-scarce mindsets, who always think you’re trying to get one over on them.
Do you know anyone like this? Or… are you like this?!
Many of those Negative Nancy-type people I’ve actually spent a lot of time with. Some of them I have wanted to help, so I hung around longer then I should have. Some of them I have had to work with. Some of them were relationships that I just couldn’t get away from.
But in the end, I’ve been weak and allowed myself to be dragged down by it all. I’ve become a complainer… critical… ungrateful and have even allowed a scarcity mindset to creep in. This is absolutely not who I am.
And let me tell you it sucks. Why would anyone choose to be a negative person?
The New Me, Again
So as the new year began, I intentionally turned a corner. Now you’ll find the new me.
That meant that a number of things had to change...
There are a number of people who may feel like I’ve changed, and the truth is I have changed and I’m still changing. I won’t be around them much or doing much with them. It’s not that I don’t love them or care for them, I just don’t have the time for the negativity any longer. I want no part of it. It’s nothing personal, I just have better things to do than to deal with negative people. It’s not helping me to be the person that I want to be, and they don’t contribute to my ability to help others.
So, what about the new you?
Are you around a lot of negative people? Are they affecting you?
I challenge you to take a survey of your life right now and identify the people you surround yourself with and spend the most time with…
Do any of those people struggle with negativity? What kind of impact is that having on you? Because let me tell you – it certainly is having an impact on you. You may have some hard decisions to make now.
But it’s okay because it’s for the better...
Without negativity dragging me down, I have so much more time for the positive things in life. And best of all, I can get back to giving of myself to help others.
It’s my hope that everyone around me becomes positive, but if you choose to be negative, don’t be surprised if I’m not spending much time with you anymore. Sorry, not sorry. I still love you, but I choose to spend my time in positive environments where I can thrive.
Will you join me on this journey of positivity?
Spread the Positivity
This is a negativity-free zone – I’d love to hear from positive thoughts or affirmations in the comments section below.
Take a look at the people in your life and decide how they impact you – negatively or positively.
Ditch the negative people. (Harsh, but worth it. It doesn’t mean you don’t love them.)
Surround yourself with positivity and positive people.
Be aware of yourself… be positive… promote positivity in every aspect of your life.
Help others. Period.
Steve Cook
was a nationally recognized real estate investing educator, author and real estate investor, prior to teaching Lifeonaire life coaching system. Today he is regarded as "The Coaches' Coach." Many of the people who have been coached by Steve have become coaches themselves, eager to share what they have learned with others.