How to Save Yourself from Negative Influences
By Michael Lee

Watching the news can be hazardous to your health.

It's a fact, especially when you're watching events related to terrorism, kidnapping, murder, accidents, or calamities. These circumstances make you worry and will leave you feeling helpless and insecure. Imagine the uncomfortable feeling of becoming a victim someday. Some may even drive you to anger. These will have a negative effect on your outlook in life.

Your environment has a big impact on you. How can you think and grow rich if you're bombarded with messages that relates "how difficult life has become" or "how poor most of us has turned out to be?"

You can't change your surroundings, but you certainly can control your thoughts. This is where visualization comes into the scene. Use your imagination, just as you would when you're still a little child. Visualize your home as a mansion, your simple meal as fine dining gourmet, and your nearby park as everyone's favorite vacation spot. Just imagine. Unconsciously, your thoughts will transform the images into their physical counterparts.

If the media can indirectly influence you just by reporting the news around, imagine what impact the people you meet everyday have on you. These are also the same people who are expressing their own views of what is right and what is wrong. And they are not always right!

When we grow up in a negative environment, we tend to acquire the traits and characteristics of people around us.

Many gangsters have been brought up by folks who have either misguided them or have taught them the wrong things in life. Through the years, they have instilled within themselves the bad habits and reputation of people around them.

Here's another case.

Pick a nice person, throw him in a group of foul-mouthed individuals who incorporate swear words in their everyday language. Sooner or later, you'll notice that nice person speaking the same obscene language as the group.

This just goes to say that anyone who joins in the company of a like-minded group will have a big chance of being influenced by the personality of that group. So what can you do if you're surrounded by people who deviates from your way of thinking?

You can't just totally eliminate them from your life. That will ruin your relationships. They'll think of you as an ungrateful snob. Don't change the way you treat them, but simply learn how to filter or shield out negative comments or suggestions. Sometimes, they will manipulate you to do what you are against to do. Be firm with what you believe in. Stay strong. Do not let them affect your decisions. You know that you can do what they thought would be impossible. If you have to suffer the ridicule, so be it. You will have the last laugh anyway.

Moreover, you should be with people who have the same principles, thoughts, attitude, and ideologies as you do. You will be more encouraged to continue your dreams if you have a support group or mentor who will push you to pursue your goals despite the setbacks.

When I was starting my internet endeavors, no one (and I mean not even one) of my relatives and friends believed me. But I did not let their discouragement stop me from becoming successful.

I remained firm in my quest to make a living online. I made friends with respected internet marketers who shared the same vision as mine. They have also experienced the same treatment from non-believers; but they have proven that what the mind can conceive, it can achieve. Through their help, I was able to put aside my doubts and achieve my goals.

You have the power to make your dreams a reality. Now show the world what stuff you are made of.

*** Please feel free to publish this article, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated - send to mike@20daypersuasion.com