We all know negative people. You know – the kinds of people who are quick to criticize and slow to praise. Emotion contagion can quickly kill your self-confidence and make you question your abilities.
And, as a woman in business, especially, you’ll likely have to face a variety of challenges already. So, it’s up to you to take steps to protect yourself mentally and emotionally.
Here are some tips that can help.
1. Avoid Negative People
Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best. In this case, a great way to deal with negative people is to simply avoid them.
If you can’t avoid them completely (for example, if you work with them), at least limit your time around them as much as possible.
2. Don’t Share Your Goals or Plans With People Who Aren’t Supportive
Negative people love putting a damper on someone else’s dreams. Sometimes, this is simply because they haven’t realized their own dreams, and discouraging those of others gives them a sense of control. So, don’t give them the satisfaction of hearing about your goals and plans.
Instead, keep them to yourself or share them with people who will support and encourage you.
3. Keep Things in Perspective
While it’s easy to get caught up in what other people think and say, ultimately, their opinion shouldn’t matter. Focus on what you think.
Remember: People who have a consistently negative attitude often have significant struggles in their lives, so don’t judge them too harshly.
4. Choose Your Attitude
Learn to love your life in such a way that no matter how negative the people around you are, you’ll always have positive things to focus on that bring you joy.
Don’t fixate on the negative. Maintain emotional distance, focus on positivity, and let these be your sources of strength and motivation.
Dealing with negative people can be challenging, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. There are plenty of other women out there who have been through the same thing and came out stronger for it.
Bottom line? Don’t let the negative people in your life bring you down. Instead, use their negative energy as fuel to propel you forward and reach your goals.
