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59 — 3 Ways to Take Back Your Power When Negative People Try to Drag You Down

December 1, 2023

Negative people should get the least of our energy. But we often think about them, complain about them, and invest a lot of energy in them. Whether it’s a difficult colleague or a family member who tries to drag you down, cutting these people out of your life isn’t always an option.
 
Fortunately, once you recognize you’re giving someone more mental real estate than you’d like, you can create change, take back your power, and shift your energy to the more positive people around you.

 

Key Takeaways

 

  1. Negative people gain power when we constantly replay their rude behavior or dwell on their words.
  2. Venting about negative individuals only fuels frustration and aggression, rather than releasing pent-up anger.
  3. Allowing negative people to control our emotions hinders our well-being and mental strength.
  4. Negative individuals can limit our lives if we believe they have the power to ruin our experiences or happiness.
  5. When surrounded by negativity, it’s crucial to maintain alignment with our values and avoid engaging in negative behaviors.

Quotes:

“The more time you spend thinking about them, the more time you give them.” – Amy Morin

“Venting actually adds fuel to the fire.” – Amy Morin

“You’re in control of how you feel and how you respond to negative people.” – Amy Morin

“Change the channel in your brain. Commit to thinking about something better.” – Amy Morin

“Focus on what you can control—your thoughts, feelings, and behavior.” – Amy Morin

Timestamp

0:00 Introduction to the Mentally Stronger Friday Fix episode.

0:58 Discussion on giving negative people too much power in life.

2:39 Warning sign #1: Thinking about negative people when they’re not around.

3:45 Warning sign #2: Talking about negative people frequently.

5:40 Warning sign #3: Allowing negative people to control your emotions.

7:06 Warning sign #4: Allowing negative people to limit your life.

8:23 Warning sign #5: Allowing negative people to influence your behavior.

9:34 Strategies to take back your power from negative people.

12:02 Change your language, change the channel in your brain, change your focus.

14:14 Conclusion and encouragement to give negative people less power.

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