Who is in your top third?
Giving too much room to negative people will take you down with the ship
In John C. Maxwell's book, “15 Invaluable Laws of Growth.”1, he refers to Sue Enquist, a highly successful UCLA softball coach, who espouses the 33 Percent Rule. She says you can divide people in your life into thirds:
Bottom third – they take the life out of you because nothing is ever good enough. They suck energy and motivation out of the environment around them. This makes me think of someone I worked with years ago. I made a comment about how sunny and nice it was to which she said, “Yeah but it’s gonna rain later!” You get the point.
Middle third – they are happy and positive when things are going well but are quick to go negative in times of adversity. Circumstances dictate their attitude. It takes continual work not to react to your circumstances.
Top third – they maintain a positive attitude even in the toughest times. These are the people that give off positive energy even when things aren’t great in their own lives. They make everyone around them better because they decide to live in a different way. They are the ones that find ways to be grateful no matter the circumstances so that they can be of service to others. I aspire to be this type of person.
Here are three takeaways from this concept:
We need more “top third” people in our lives. I’m fortunate to have several people who challenge me to be better than I am today. I make it a priority to stay connected with them. I’m realizing how important this is for my personal growth.
Am I in the middle third? Admittedly, I suspect many of us struggle here. I certainly have before.
Should we cast out “bottom third” people? Not necessarily, we have a chance to influence them in a positive way if they are open to it. However, if you let them have too much time on your calendar, they will drag you down.
Jim Rohn said that “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Our closest relationships matter. Pay attention and adjust when necessary. Don’t give others permission to take you down with their ship.
Make time to grow yourself first so you can serve others! Have an amazing week.