45 Comments

Easiest/quickest way for me to do this was to stop using Facebook. Cleaned up my content diet and cut out a bunch of toxic people all at once.

Expand full comment
author

Same here Kevin. Facebook is a nightmare.

Expand full comment

I have found such toxic content on LinkedIN yesterday. Was actually surprised how much gossip is present there. Koodos for your cleansing diet! Very gutsy ;-)

Expand full comment
author

Gabrielle I'd recommend heavily curating your feed on LinkedIn. I rarely get bad stuff because I'm careful who I follow.

Expand full comment

Honestly one of the best things I’ve done to improve my mood. I know I should probably promote my work there, but the tradeoff just isn’t worth it for me.

Expand full comment
Sep 2, 2022Liked by Tim Denning

A cleansing is necessary before one getz subsumed in a mess. I am inspired.

Expand full comment
author

Love the way you said that Toyin

Expand full comment

I love your articles. You are one of the rare writers that I consistently follow. Your content is honest, funny, succinct and oh! so useful. And the subject that you mention here might seem brutal, but in my view, is in desperate need of being addressed. Our Circle of Influence is a critical aspect of the life we want to have and it is being neglected. Hopefully your article will prompt reaction. And action. As always Tim, thx for writing!

Expand full comment
author

Really appreciate the feedback Gabrielle!

Expand full comment

I had to do this just a few days ago! Reading this made me feel like my actions are valid and I can continue to progress without feeling guilty. I just don't want to be like those people. Thanks for this!

Expand full comment
author

Sometimes you've got to do it Coryn,

Expand full comment

Many years ago, when I was still in high school, my Dad had a frank conversation with me about the difference between friends and acquaintances. I remember thinking it was a weird word to use and I completely get it now.

Expand full comment
author

I only just got it recently Michelle after a tragic event.

Expand full comment

"Many people forget that an inner circle of people you spend time with isn’t just people you can directly email or call.

No.

The podcasts you listen to, Youtube channels or TikToks you’re subscribed to, the books you read – they’re all virtual mentors and part of your inner circle."

Thank you, Tim.

Expand full comment
author

A critical lesson :)

Expand full comment
Sep 1, 2022Liked by Tim Denning

Much truth here......good stuff!

Expand full comment
author

Thank you Scotty!

Expand full comment

Really sage advice! Brilliant. Thank you

Expand full comment
author

No probs Zaakir. Cheers

Expand full comment

Really sage advice! Brilliant. Thank you

Expand full comment
author

:)

Expand full comment

I am in the process of separating myself from my parents and two brothers, primarily for reasons concerning mine and my partner's health, as well as some ongoing behavior habits of the various members. My husband sees and understands the reasons and even agrees. But he's been as good as a part of my family for nearly forty years, and it breaks his heart to cut them off. So he answers the phone when they call. That leads to us taking on obligations we can't support and which expose us to their stressful behaviors. And exacerbates my own guilt. It's hard. But it's necessary.

Expand full comment
author

A tough situation indeed Kriss.

Expand full comment
Sep 2, 2022·edited Sep 2, 2022Liked by Tim Denning

I loved this article! I have been obsessed with surrounding myself with encouraging and positive things and people since I decided to undertake a career change and job hunt (while taking classes!). I don't think I have had to cut many people out of my life, except for ones that treated me poorly. But, living with my parents, sometimes the environment can be emotionally negative, and like in your article, I have become addicted to uplifting, motivating, and educational podcasts, youtube channels, etc. It's like I have an IV hooked up to them. Great survival tool! I am working on getting in-between work so I can live in a more conducive environment soon. Love my parents, but I need to protect my energy.

Expand full comment
author

As our parents age they can become cynical or negative. Having the news blasting all day doesn't help. All you can do is manage it the best you can Alex.

Expand full comment

I'll be your affiliate. There, problem solved.

Expand full comment
author

@Joannna send me an email to tim@timdenning.com :)

Expand full comment

Ok all important aspects of the article aside, the picture caught my attention. Are the loser friends the ones in the Ohio State shirts or Miami U? I went to Miami. My brother went to Ohio state. Love the photo.

Expand full comment
author

Hahaha. Didn't think that far Susan. I mean, I love Miami the most. All those beaches.

Expand full comment

Wrong Miami Tim!

Expand full comment

The winner has already moved on/out of the picture; they’re the one wearing the Wisconsin T-shirt. 😎

Expand full comment
author

Ohhhhh Kevin strikes a blow!

Expand full comment
Sep 1, 2022Liked by Tim Denning

Excellent article, nothing more true than that.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you Raul!

Expand full comment
Sep 1, 2022Liked by Tim Denning

Thank you.

Expand full comment
author

My pleasure Minka

Expand full comment

This is good stuff, Tim. Thanks

Expand full comment
author

Appreciate it Godfred

Expand full comment