Get The Support You Need From Those Around You!

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

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Although it can be a challenge to avoid being in the "tarket zone" of those who are envious (envy is at the core of belittling attempts), eliminating the toxic energy is imperative to accomplishing your goals.

There are no easy answers, but here are a few tips that are very effective in blasting through to the heart of what's really going on; the person feels left out.

• Talk candidly about your short-term and long-term vision. Most times, the details are in our heads and we actually forget to share them with those closest to us. This can be very comforting to them because they now feel they're a part. They understand more about why you're doing what you do.
  
  
• Sincerely ask for a constructive perspective on one specific issue. This narrows the focus, but still allows them to provide input that may not have ocurred to you. Incorporate the suggestions and keep them updated on how this has improved your business. On a core level, we all like to feel like we're being helpful to others and it makes us feel good when someone takes the time to acknowledge our contribution.
  
  
• Invite them into your world by providing more details about how everyday activities fit into the larger plan. No one can read your mind or make sense of what you do everyday to accomplish your goals. Don't expect them to. Keep them in the communication loop.
  
  
• Assign a specific, but meaningful task and explain why this is vital to your success. Be sure to choose tasks that are fitting for the assignee. Without a mini-assessment, this could lead to frustration for both parties. Don't allow this to happen! Just choose tasks you know are manageable. When the task is complete, praise, praise, praise -- with authenticity, of course.
  
  
• Here's a little tough love for the more complex situations. As a last resort, "invite" the friend, family member or acquaintance to make only constructive contributions. You are no longer willing to accept anything less because although you know he or she wouldn't deliberately try to sabotage your efforts, that's the result. This is quite effective, because once you state your position and your expectations are made clear, the other person usually doesn't want to be someone who would boldly and blatantly try to stand in the way of you realizing your dream.

Communicate more openly and you might be delightfully surprised at how willing those around you are to participate in helping you achieve your personal and business goals.