June 3, 2025 - Top 5 People To Avoid.

In 2021, my Dad sent my brother and I an email with some wise words. I'm sharing it with you.

My top 5 people to avoid.

I’ve known them all. Thankfully, not closely anymore.

1.    Depression chasers. You, “Isn’t it a glorious day?” Him, “Yeah, but it’s going to rain.” You, “I feel great today. Him, “You never know when the other shoe will drop.” No matter what positive thing you say he has a way to turn it negative. And drag you into his despair. Love them. And avoid them like the plague. Or they’ll spread their plague. Life’s short. Fill it with positive friends who cheer you up and make you laugh. Then you'll have no reason to be depressed.

2.    Joy crushers. You, “Life is good.” Her, “Let me tell you about going to the hospital.” You, “We’re so blessed.” Her, “You’re lucky, let me tell you about the problems with our kids.” No matter how grateful you are she can show you how miserable her life is. And you know, it probably is. Just no reason to share her misery. Instead fill your life with people as thankful as you. Then you’ll be even more thankful because you have them.

3.    Dream smashers. You, “I’ve got a plan for a great new venture.” Him, “It’ll never work.” You, “It’s new and different.” Him, “It’s been tried and failed.” No matter what your dream, when you share it he smashes it. Tells you all the reasons it can’t and never will work. And discourages you before you even launch. Imagine instead filling your life with encouragers. People who have not only accomplished a lot but encourage you to do the same. Shazam! Amazing.

4.    Time stealers. You, “I’m working extra hours trying to get my venture launched.” Her, “Hey you’re missing out on the big party.” You, “Yeah, it’s taking all my time.” Her, “You’ll never get this fun time back again.” These are the most subtle. Offer you fun but mediocrity. Entice you to join in the frivolity and give up your dream. And you know? They’re right. In the short run it really is a lot more fun. But if you want the extraordinary you have to do the extraordinary.

5.    Soul crushers. You, “I have this dream.” Him, “You’ll never amount to anything.” You, “I want an extraordinary life.” Him, “You don’t have the ability.” Unfortunately, this conversation is usually with someone you love. A parent, spouse, sibling, close friend. Someone who really knows you and how to crush your dreams. This one’s tough. Because you have to find a way to escape the darkness. Yet, when you do, you step into the sunshine of your extraordinary life.

There are lots of things that may hinder your life. But the people you let in will encourage or crush it like nothing else.

So love them, help them, pray for them, encourage them but don’t give them room in your heart and mind.

Instead, find those who live extraordinary lives and invite you to join them.

Then your life will be extraordinary too.

And that really is the most fun.

Achieving the extraordinary is hard. But a lot easier with friends who are too.