Dealing with Negative People

Most people are not mind readers, so if you are planning on changing your life-style and want to enlist support, it’s up to you to let those who are close to you know what your goals are. Don’t be afraid to tell people about your weight loss and health goals. Tell them why you want to become a healthier person. You will probably find that many of the people around you have the same goals that you do.

• Keep healthy snacks handy. In fact you might suggest that your office stock healthy snacks like fruit, instead of the regular cookies or donuts.



• Pack your lunch so that you won’t be tempted to eat fast food during the day. Encourage your co-workers to do the same so that you can still continue to eat together.



• Keep water coolers full, so it won’t be so tempting to grab a soda.



• Start replacing your family desserts with yummy fruits or low-fat pudding. You will find that your family will begin to like healthy snacks, but don’t make their favorite goodies completely off-limits. It’s okay to have a small indulgence once in a while.



• Ask those around to please put the foods you're trying to avoid in high cupboards so they can't tempt you – out of sight really is out of mind.



• When people compliment you on how you look, make sure to tell them what you have been doing to get there. This will help them support you, and who knows they might even join you.



• As they say, misery loves company. There are always those who love to throw cold water on your goals. Your success may make them feel insecure, they may just be negative people who are in the habit of criticizing others, or they may just be plain mean. Whatever their reason is, remember that you don’t have to share your goals with anyone who you feel will be negative about them. If you know upfront that someone will be negative—or even if you discover it after the fact— steer conversation away from personal topics.



• If someone close to you is unsupportive, either tune out the negativity or distance yourself from that person. If that person is your partner or lives in the same household, the problem’s a bit more complicated. As far as possible, try to understand the motivation behind the negativity; is the person critical of your particular goal or of goals in general?



• Demonstrate encouragement for the goals your friends and family want to accomplish. Even better, come up with some common goals that you can work on together. There’s strength in numbers. The simple act of one person saying no to an unwanted dessert can spark someone else to think hard about whether they really want to indulge.



• Remember the old adage that to make a friend you have to be a friend. Make your fitness friendships win-win situations by making sure to give something back.



• Don’t expect too much of any one person. Try to enlist a large group of support buddies. Perhaps have one exercise buddy and another friend who loves to swap healthy recipes with you.



• Fit your weight loss needs into your life in small and varied ways: a healthy pot-luck lunch with co-workers, an evening walk with your spouse, or a brief morning chat with your online fitness buddies. You’ll be helping others while you help yourself.

Sharing your goals with others is a powerful step towards helping you reach them. A dream becomes a goal once you give it a voice, and getting people involved in your dreams makes the journey more fun!