Time: < 30 Minutes

STEP 1: Consider the people in your life who you spend time with. Do you know someone who can suck the energy out of a room?  Someone who is programmed to complain about how bad life is? Do you know someone who makes you feel anxious? Sometimes these people are referred to as “dramatic” or even “toxic”. Now consider that successful people surround themselves with positive people and limit negativity as much as possible. If people who care about you recognize that you have a toxic relationship, and you don’t recognize/acknowledge it, you may need to discuss it with a professional to see if you have a blind spot.

STEP 2: Have the courage to cut the cord. It may be very difficult, and the negative person may push back quite a bit. It can be difficult to remove toxic people from our daily life, but it is imperative for both your physical and mental health to do so.

STEP 3: When you encounter someone negative, be creative and find a way to politely dismiss yourself.  “Shake it off”. Life is too short to let someone else bring you down. If it is someone that you have a relationship with, look for ways to start limiting your time with them. You may need a friend, accountability partner, or counselor/therapist to help you maintain your boundaries and not “backslide” or give in.

STEP 4: Find a mentor. Reach out to the most successful person that you have a relationship with and ask them to be your mentor. Watch and emulate those around you who you want to be like. 

STEP 5: Each day, recognize how much better it feels with less drama, emotion, negativity, and toxicity in your life.