Scratching With Turkeys

[Peter S C]

Zig Ziglar said “You can’t fly with the eagles if you continue to scratch with the turkeys.”

I have found that surrounding myself with positive and motivated people has dramatically changed my life. In the past I was angry and depressed, and this was probably reflected in my circle of friends.

When I decided to finally sort out my life, I had to seriously limit contact with some of my best buddies. Many of them these guys were fun to be around, but their idea of a good time usually involved excessive drinking and/ or drugs.

My question then is this: are there any turkeys in your life? Have you previously made a conscious effort in the past to either limit or completely stop contact with people who have a negative influence on your life?

For anyone who is interested, I have written an article called Beware the Turkeys! that goes into this topic in more detail.

I look forward to hearing some replies.

[Zukin]

You are absolutely right, Peter SC!

I've made the switch from hanging out with underachievers to hanging out with people who are focused on their careers and improving their lives, and the positive difference is incredible.

Turkeys aren't good to hang out with, but they're good on whole wheat with mustard (but I'm going to be turning vegan, so I can't say that much longer)

[Ree]

Loved your post and your article. It was totally on point. I've had the experience. It's not easy to cut those ties, but it's absolutely necessary and once it's done, it feels sooooooo good!

[Shamou]

Peter S C! Great thread... great post... and great blog...

I have personally found out that's it's nearly impossible to cut yourself off from negative people... However, one thing that can be done is avoid any conversation with these people about goals, objectives and projects...

The best advice I ever received on that subject was to discuss or share my undertakings only with people who I knew would support me in those quests...

Negative people are contagious... they must only be approached with great care and precautions...
.

[Patrick Mathieu]

Peter:

You are right on the money with this one!

So many people are under the impression that the people in our lives are there because they have to be. They seem to think: "That's just the way it has been, so that's just the way it will be in the future. What can I do about it?"

We need to remember that at one point we invited these people into our lives. Don't be afraid to cancel the invitation!

"AH! But what about family members?" you ask. "I didn't invite them and I can't just ask them to leave!"

True, it can be tricky to handle family negative members - but because they are often so close to you, I maintain that it is even more important to monitor your 'negativity intake' from them.

I think of it as choosing what sort of thoughts will will 'subscribe to'. If someone's thoughts and actions enliven and enrich you - 'subscribe' to those thoughts and actions! If the thoughts and actions are negative, then don't 'subscribe'. It's about exercising the power of choice in your life!

One other thing... don't get caught up in trying to change the 'turkeys' in your life. This can be incredibly draining and counterproductive! Rather than trying to change others, I suggest that we simply exercise our own power by unsubscribing from negativity in our lives.

Then we are free to soar!

-Patrick