Toxic people are those who are very pessimistic about life. They don't have any goals or dreams to strive for, so they'll probably try to discourage you rather than encourage you. So, it's very important that we don't try to receive encouragement from these people because we will only get their toxicity if we do.

OH, SHE WAS BITTER

When I had my corporate job, I would work extremely hard to get all my productivity done within 5 hours of the day, so I could use the remainder of the time to read my business and personal development books. One of my colleagues, named Ms. Stacy, was in her early 60s, and she was very bitter about life. Her cubicle was next to mine, so day after day she would complain about the job, issues in her life, and it seemed that she was living inside a pessimistic cloud.

One day, after I had completed my work, I was reading one of my books, and she asked, "Gene, why are you always reading those books?" I explained, "I read them because I'm enhancing my knowledge in business, and I'm developing good habits."

TOXIC DISCOURAGING ADVICE

She looked at me with disgust and said sarcastically, "Business? You've got a job, so why are you wasting your time reading about business?" "Because I'm starting my own business." "Gene, my sister started a business, and it stressed her out so much that she died of a stroke. You don't want to go into business because it's going to kill you. You need to stay here and work on this job till you retire."

Even though her toxic comments bothered me, I kept my cool and said, "I've made up my mind to stick to my plan for my life." She slightly raised her voice and said "Gene, I know what I'm talking about. It's smarter to stay in this job and retire safely, instead of wasting your time and money on a business that probably won't make it." I calmly responded, "Ms. Stacy, this job may be safe for you, but in my opinion, I'd be taking more of a risk here than if I started my own business." "Why do you say that?"

WAS I ILLOGICAL?

"Check this out, I could work at this company for 30 years and then get laid off, I won't be able to get none of my youth or time back. Or, I can spend 5–10 years building a business and rather it failed or succeed, if I'm blessed to still be alive, I can always change course. I've been laid off once Ms. Stacy and I personally don't like the idea of someone else having that much control over my livelihood."

I assumed that after I said that, she would put her toxicity aside for a moment and give me a word of encouragement. I was mistaken because she said, with a smirk on her face, "That is illogical thinking." I responded, "It's illogical thinking to you, but it makes sense to me, and I will do what's best for me."

Our conversation ended, so I went back to reading my books. I was going on vacation the next day, so I would be out of the office for a week. When I got back to work after my vacation, I noticed something different about Ms. Stacy's cubicle. Her metal name tag wasn't there anymore, and I figured she got promoted since she'd worked at the company for almost 20 years.

IT BROUGHT CHILLS DOWN MY SPINE!

I walked over to Mr. Smith, who was our colleague that sat across from us and asked "Where is Ms. Stacy?" "Unfortunately Gene, the corporation has eliminated her position; she was laid off, and it's really unfortunate because she put so many years into this company."

After hearing this news, I got chills down my spine because the very concern I talked to her about had just been realized in her life. Even though I felt bad for Ms. Stacy, I was proud of myself because I didn't let her discourage me with her toxicity. A year later, I left that corporate job, and I'm currently building the life that I desired.

At some point in your life, there will be toxic people who will try to bring you down. They think negatively about themselves, so don't expect these toxic individuals to encourage you. It's best to keep your aspirations from these people as you go after them because You Are WORTHY TO BE GREAT!