The Unsuspecting Weapon Against Our?Growth

The influence from people close to us can either be our rocket fuel or our Kryptonite.

If we’re not careful, we can fall into patterns that lead us to becoming the person THEY want us to be, not what WE want to be. For those of you that struggle with an insecure, negative influential person in your life >>> you’re not alone.

There is a clear difference between loving the people close to you and being influenced by them.

I’ve learned that if you’re going to be influenced by someone, make sure that person has what you want, or at least the determination to go and get it.

Do they have the finances, the friends, the family, the health, the mindset, or the body that you want? Cause if they don’t…why act, talk, work, eat, think or behave like them?

My father does not have the life that I want to live, and I’ve made the mistake of opening my mind and heart to him. He’s influenced me in a negative way over the years, and it kills me to say this.

Like him, I’m not happy with myself unless I achieve something. I chase a high of achievement every single day, whether it’s overcoming a difficult morning workout, or grinding through the workday. I think this is why I work so damn hard. It’s the only way for me to be happy right now. 

Steve Weatherford, the former NFL punter, brought this awareness to me, as he struggled with similar thoughts.

But my father is not aware his negative influence, as most parents aren’t. He simply did what all parents feel the need to do, which is to teach their children how to be successful in life. 

BUT this is where we must proceed with caution. 

>>> Is their definition of happiness and success the same as ours? <<<

If it’s not, we must start creating some emotional space between us & that person.

Love them from a distance. The people closest typically love you deeply, but their love for you can open the door for influence if you let it. 

We only have one life to live our dreams, and time goes by much quicker than we could’ve ever imagined. I’m sure you can relate.

We cannot afford to be influenced by anyone that doesn’t guide or support us in our journey to becoming the person we want to become, or to live the life that we know we’re capable of living.

>>> Now the question remains: who do YOU want to become? <<<

I still can’t answer that question. I’ve started with deciding ‘who I’m not’ and this has helped. A close friend of mine gave me this idea. I believe it can help you, too.

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out if you relate. We’re on this journey together, and it’s a lot easier if we do what we can to help one another.

I’m with you. 

Thank you for your time.