By David Malherbe – Published in Drakenstein Gazette – Friday 7 March 2014
A friend sent me an e-mail containing this quote: “You cannot hang out with negative people and expect to live a positive life.” I immediately realised how very important this is for every entrepreneur. When you are a business owner who needs to build your business, care for employees and handle whatever comes your way, you cannot afford to be negative. You are the source of a positive atmosphere and culture in and towards your business. If you are not positive, how can you expect others to be positive about the business?
If you are at a point of stagnation in your life and business, you will most probably find that most of your friends are in the same situation and when together, probably all you talk about is your problems. Maybe it is time that you change the atmosphere. Your best friends should be those who bring out the best in you, who create a positive “vibe” and who will encourage you.
The Bible also teaches this. “Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits.” 1 Cor 15:33; “He that walks with wise men shall be wise; but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” Prov 13:20 and “A mirror reflects a man’s face, but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses.” Prov 27:19
There is a proverb that says “What you behold, you become.” It is your choice what you read, what you listen to, which TV programs you watch and which people you surround yourself with, but remember, you will become what you behold. Your choices will determine your outlook in life.
You cannot choose your parents, but you can choose your friends. Sometimes it is better to be alone than in the wrong company. A single conversation with the right person can help you face the challenges in your business with new enthusiasm and vigor. You need to steer clear of negative-thinking people. Look carefully at the closest associations in your life, for they will be the indicators of the direction that you are heading.
David Malherbe and Dewald Scholtz will discuss this topic in more detail Monday evening from 19:00 till 20:00 on Radio KC 107.7FM in the program “You the Entrepreneur”
(David Malherbe is a business- and career consultant and lives in Wellington. He can be contacted via his web page www.jedidiah.org.za or T/F 021-873 0262 or on Facebook at “Jy die Entrepreneur.”)
