Starting your journey of self-improvement is rewarding but it’s also difficult, dirty and scary. Good for you for getting this far! Now let’s talk about how walking this path of personal development affects the people around you.

In my experience, people are uncomfortable with change. Most people are so scared of change that they tend to rebel or act out against change itself as well as anyone who is trying to commit to it. This type of people is what I call “Still People”. People that are still doing the same old thing, still thinking the same old way, still not taking action, still not making goals, still not making money, still complaining… etc.

When you start to improve your life, your physique, emotional state, mental state, spiritual state or your financial situation those ‘Still People’ are forced to realize or acknowledge their lack of action. This realization makes them uncomfortable or jealous when they choose to ignore the need or want to grow. These are the type of people that can and will hinder your progress.

‘Still People’ are the first to be weeded from the proverbial garden of self-improvement. The saying that you are the average of the five people closest to you comes to mind. I personally don’t want to have my average brought down by people with toxic mindsets. The path of self-improvement is hard enough as it is without being brought down or tempted by fear or laziness.

Distancing yourself from ‘still people’ is absolutely necessary. It doesn’t mean that you have to hate them or never talk to them again. Some of these people can be people that we love or grew up with. It just means that we need space from them. Not spend as much time with or around them. I know it can be sad at first but that sadness will pass. Sometimes you have to do what is best for you. If that person truly loves you or values your friendship/relationship, they will understand. And if not then do you really want that type of person in your life?

That’s a tough question to ask yourself but a necessary one. What’s more important to you: maintaining a relationship that no longer serves you or bettering yourself and/or your situation? Improving your life absolutely requires asking yourself some tough questions and then facing the equally tough answers. Then take action towards the right path for you.

Freeing up the time wasted on bad habits that no longer serve you is essential to moving forward. It allows the time to develop the new habits that help you grow and progress. Instead of wasting time complaining about your lives and not coming up with solutions you can fill it with actions towards your holistic goals. Instead of being subjected to jealousy and criticism for making changes you can live by example and inspire others to do the same.

Giving yourself space from ‘still people’ doesn’t mean that now you are alone either. Now you can fill that gap with like-minded people who are also trying to better themselves, trying to grow. Or it frees up time to re-connect with your family or children. It frees up time to re-connect with your Self.

Continue on this path that you have started. You can do it! You are stronger than you think! Believe in yourself and by changing one habit at a time you will achieve your goals!

Want to hear more? Check out my Speaking Lucidly podcast where we outlet our everyday frustrations with the journey to self-improvement and talk about solutions to overcome.