How to Spot Toxic People and Take Control of Your Life

By October 10, 2023 Friendship, Toxic People
How to Spot Toxic People

How to Spot Toxic People

Have you ever felt like someone in your life makes you feel not so good about yourself? Maybe they make you doubt your abilities or tell you to give up on your dreams and goals. Well, guess what? That person might be what we call “toxic.”

Toxic people can make you feel like you’re not in control of your own life. But don’t worry; there are ways to spot them and regain control!

Signs of Toxic People

Toxic people can be tricky to identify, but here are some signs to watch out for:

They Put You Down: If someone is always making fun of you, saying mean things, or making you feel like you’re not good enough, they might be toxic.

They Try to Control You: Toxic people often want things their way and try to control your choices and decisions. They might not let you do what you want.

They Don’t Support Your Dreams: If they don’t encourage you to follow your passions, dreams, and goals and instead tell you to give up, that’s a sign of toxicity.

They Make You Feel Stressed: Being around toxic people can make you feel anxious, stressed, or worried all the time.

They Isolate You: They might try to keep you away from your friends and family, making you feel lonely.

Taking Control of Your Life

Now that you know how to spot toxic people, here are five positive things you can do to take control of your life:

Trust Yourself: Believe in your abilities and trust your instincts. You know what’s best for you.

Set Boundaries: It’s okay to say “no” when you don’t want to do something. Setting boundaries helps you protect yourself.

Surround Yourself with Positive People: Spend time with friends and family who support your dreams and make you feel good about yourself.

Follow Your Passions: Keep pursuing your dreams and goals. Keep working towards them, and you’ll feel more in control of your life.

Talk to Someone: If you’re struggling with a toxic person, talk to a trusted adult like a parent, teacher, or friend. They can help you find solutions.

Remember, you can take control of your life and not let toxic people bring you down. Surround yourself with positivity, follow your dreams, and trust yourself—you’ve got this!

Surround Yourself With Positive Friends

An effective strategy in dealing with toxic people is cultivating a circle of true friends – individuals who genuinely support and uplift you. These friends cheer on your dreams, stand by your side as you chase your passions, and encourage you to reach your goals. They are the pillars of strength that help you build a successful life, free from the negativity of toxic influences. 

As I discussed in my article, Three Signs You Can Trust Someone, trustworthiness, empathy, and understanding are critical traits of true friends. You create a positive and supportive environment by surrounding yourself with people who exhibit these qualities. This nurturing circle not only empowers you to pursue your aspirations with confidence but also forms a protective barrier against the draining energy of toxic individuals.

Embracing the support of genuine friends is not just about having people to share your successes with; it’s about building a network of trust and encouragement that elevates you above the challenges posed by toxic relationships.”

The Path to Overcoming Negativity

As discussed in last week’s article, Identifying Negative Influences, the best way to overcome harmful or toxic people is by succeeding and staying true to your passions, dreams, and goals. No matter what, always keep sight of what makes you happy. If you love something, keep working towards it, and focus on success as your way to rise above negativity.

Remember, your dreams and goals are like shining stars in the night sky, guiding you toward a brighter future. When you stay committed to your aspirations and work hard, you’ll find happiness and the strength to overcome any negativity that comes your way.

So, keep believing in yourself, set your sights on your dreams, and use your success as a shield against negativity. You can take control of your life and create a positive, fulfilling journey ahead!

Love, Jim