6 Signs You’re About To Be Mentally Sabotaged

How to protect your positive attitude from the negative influence of others.

Sometimes I think that I forget events, places, names, and activities on purpose. I call it Intentional Waste Disposal.

I finally realized there’s a good reason — and a self-installed method to administer the process.

It kicks in whenever a circumstance, situation, or opinion being expressed by another isn’t relevant or positive — and it brings no purpose, fulfillment, or joy to my life.

My subconscious recognizes the mental intruder as being incongruent with my values. Like a faithful and diligent guard, my psyche steps in and banishes the input from my brain, deftly cutting loose another anchor of negativity at the source — with no returns accepted.

I’ve become better at recognizing the signs of another’s self-appointed misery.

And instead of tolerating an irritating vibe, I now pay close attention to my instincts and divert my attention — and myself — as quickly as possible from a potentially unpleasant encounter.

Because if I defaulted into agreement with outside negative rhetoric, even slightly, I might become someone else — someone I might not like very much.

And frankly, I have a different vision of my life for both the present and the future.

Here are 6 warning signs you’re about to be confronted by a person planning to deliver a heavy salvo of BS.

1. They complain that things are difficult

And sometimes, they’re not wrong.

The problem is, they refuse to understand that, occasionally, things are not easy. If everything were easy, we’d all be doing exactly what we want — and we’d all be deliriously happy.

In short, there would be nothing to complain about.

The difference is these folks simply don’t want to make the effort — or spend the time required — to achieve success. Instead, they label those things as difficult.

For them, it’s not the task, it’s the perception.

2. They insist on always being right

But usually, their strongly held opinions reach a dead-end.

And without the mental space to consider another perspective or viewpoint, there’s no common ground — or room to grow.

Of course it’s also possible they haven’t thought things all the way through.

But they’ll never admit it.

3. They limit their own knowledge by posturing

Rather than making an attempt to understand or evaluate the thoughts and words of others, they find more satisfaction in standing their ground and expressing their own perspective.

They’ve never realized that a one-sided discourse is wasting an opportunity that can evolve from an open conversation.

4. They already know how to fix the problem

After laying out the troubles of the universe, they typically reveal they’ve discovered the perfect solution.

But for reasons often vaguely referred to as involving the greater good, they choose not to take action, preferring to preach about the problem instead of doing something about it.

5. Most of their rhetoric is gossip, bragging, or complaining

And it’s typically delivered with a thick layer of drama.

Even worse, they enjoy playing the victim, and will always attempt to pull you into the middle of their misery.

6. They refuse to consider another side or opinion

They believe their words have withstood the test of time, and they become uncomfortable when an opposing viewpoint strikes an unsettling chord.

Because challenging their beliefs would be tantamount to changing their identity. And most aren’t receptive to acknowledging their politics, principles, and philosophies could, potentially, be flat-out wrong.

So what can we do to prevent from becoming a dumping ground for everyone else’s problems, work conflicts, or personal issues?

How can we protect our positive attitude from another’s rampaging ego?

It’s ultimately up to us to take control of our time — and who influences our thoughts — by restricting toxic influences from our lives.

Learn to recognize the signals — and the people — attempting to lure you to the dark side. Choose to side-step the oncoming assault, and free yourself from energy sucking thoughts and irrelevant distractions.

Fair warning: You may find that setting a positive example puts you in a dubious and unwelcome position.

And that’s okay, because it’s confirmation you’re with the wrong crowd — and it’s time to move on.

© 2020 Jill Reid. All Rights Reserved.

Jill Reid is the author of Real Life, Discover Your Personal Truth, Life in Small Doses, and Please God, Make Me A Writer. Her books, videos, and newsletter explore life, relationships, self-improvement, health, and personal success strategies for working through the challenges of everyday life.

Tap into relevant, interesting, and entertaining stories from thousands of writers every day! Sign up for a Medium Membership right here — and start reading today …