1.19.2006

Will power to the people

Cut Out the High-maintenance People in Your Life
--Advice from Keith Ferrazzi

According to a recent survey by Kraft South Beach Diet, the average New Year's resolution dieter gives up and returns to old eating habits by early February. Here's a tip to help you stay on your diet and manage your relationships for maximum success and joy in your life -- from Dr. Mark Goulston*, author of Get Out of Your Own Way at Work.

Don't spend too much time and effort on worrying about what you should and shouldn't eat or do. Instead, cut out the high-maintenance people in your life.

Most people fall off new diets or exercise routines (or for that matter light up a cigarette) after they have had contact with people who frustrate or exasperate them. When that happens, you'll reach for a quick fix like carbohydrates or a thick piece of meat and the last thing you'll want to do is go exercise.
  1. Take out a sheet of paper and draw a vertical line down the center.
  2. On the left side, write down the names of all the negative people that suck the life out of you and whom you dread seeing.
  3. On the right side, write the names of all the people who give you energy and motivate you.
  4. Make a 30-day commitment to minimize the time you spend with the energy drainers and maximize your time with the energy suppliers (and then continue this strategy for life.)
* Adapted from Get Out of Your Own Way at Work, Chapter 28: "Fear of Confrontation" and Mark Goulston's "Usable Insights" newsletter. Learn more about both at http://www.MarkGoulston.com

So THAT'S what I'm doing wrong!
I wonder if there is anyway to get rid of myself... well besides the obvious.
**she laughs hysterically**

2 comments:

chez bez said...

But there are far too many people who straddle that line. The very people I could do without on a Tuesday might very well be the perfect people to lift me up on a Friday.

I think I'll make that list and then fax it to the people on the bad side of the line. That might keep them away. lol

Sarah said...

I know when I am stressed - I always reach for a thick piece of meat. Yum. Yum.

:)