Getting Rid of Negative Influences and
the Benefits of a Positive Mindset

As a coach, I often emphasise the importance of having a positive mindset and eliminating negative influences. In fact, I preach this to my clients regularly. But recently, I’ve come to a bit of a realisation: I need to practice what I preach more rigorously myself. It’s one thing to guide others to be better, but when it comes to managing your own energy, it’s easy to let negative forces creep in and undermine your well-being.

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Over the past few months, I found myself increasingly unhappy with certain situations and relationships. I started feeling frustrated and generally less positive. I had to take a step back and remind myself of a simple principle I share with my clients: "If it doesn’t make you happy, then don’t do it!" That phrase is deceptively simple but requires real courage and decisiveness to put into action.

 

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Taking Control of What I Can

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One of the first things I did was assess what was within my control. Instead of being a passive bystander in situations that weren’t serving me, I chose to act. I began systematically removing people and influences that were bringing negativity into my life. Whether it was unproductive relationships, unnecessary drama, or simply toxic environments, I took steps to reduce their impact.

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Social media was a big one. Platforms like Facebook and X in particular, whilst useful in many ways, have a tendency to amplify negativity. After a lot of reflection, I decided to significantly reduce my input, visibility and reach on these platforms and focus my energy on LinkedIn, a space where I can engage with people who share my professional values and maintain a more positive environment. This conscious change has made a noticeable difference in my overall mood and mindset.

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Honest, But Not Confrontational

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Interestingly, I didn’t feel the need to be confrontational in any of these actions. Honesty, however, played a key role. I’ve had to be more open about how certain situations or interactions were affecting me. Where I might have stayed quiet in the past, I’ve now decided to address issues head-on, in a calm and constructive way. This isn’t about burning bridges or creating conflict - it’s about setting healthy boundaries and preserving my own well-being.

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The Result? A Lighter, More Focused Mindset

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Do I feel better for it? Undoubtedly. I’ve come to realise that life is far too short to spend time in situations which don’t align with your values or contribute to your happiness. Getting rid of negative influences allows you to redirect your energy toward things that truly matter and bring fulfilment. For me, that’s a bit of a game-changer.

I’m sharing this not just to reflect on my own journey, but to encourage you to do the same. How much of your energy is being drained by negativity, and what’s stopping you from letting it go?

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Life’s too short to accept what isn’t just and equitable.

What are your thoughts?

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Antony Penny

AWP Consultancy