Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great people make you feel that you, too, can become great.”Mark Twain.

Being in the company of negative people is never fun. They will suck the positive energy right out of you, if you let them. If you let them is the operative phrase. They’ll drag you down and can bring your best laid plans to a screeching halt.

Don’t let them.

Many people spend their whole day looking for what’s wrong. Naturally, of course, they can easily find sufficient reason to reinforce their point of view. Goodness knows, there’s more than enough to go around.

To protect your well being, you need to construct very high walls to keep them out. Whenever you are in the company of what I call a “black cloud,” immediately open your umbrella. Here are a few suggestions to fend off the negative vibes:

1. Focus on managing your negative thoughts and behavior. Stay positive.
2. Make a point to hang out with positive people.
3. Occasionally write your “morning pages.” Refer to your affirmations.
4. Check your list of goals and objectives
5. Take care of your soul side, too. Listen to uplifting music. Read inspiring material. Exercise and eat right.

It isn’t easy, but in this day and age you have to do whatever you can to remain upbeat.

Fly with the eagles… and not with the ducks. Your success and personal happiness depends upon it.