Which third do you focus on?

Jul 13th, 2011No Comments

They say that one-third of the people we meet don’t like us very much. One-third of people we meet naturally like us. And one-third really don’t care much either way. Which do you focus on?

Many try to get the people that do not like them to like them. I do not recommend this. It is important to realize that them not liking you is not personal. It is not about you. It is a personality thing. They do not know who you are. It is just what you represent to them. They may not like people that are friendly. They may not like people that look like or have mannerisms like someone they did not like. It is not about you. Do not take it as a rejection. How can someone reject you- if they do not even know you?

I have heard a sales strategy that says work with the third that like you and try to get the third that do not care to like you. That is not bad advice. Notice it did not say to try to convert the people that do not like you. Equally important is to not allow the people that do not like you to inhibit you. No matter what you do- they are not going to be very impressed. Be yourself. Trying to get them to like you usually makes it worse. Stop wasting your energy on them.

I recommend you focus on the third that like you. That leaves 2 and a third billion people to interact with. Create deeper connections with them. They are your people. They are the people that will naturally be interested in what you are doing. Swim down stream for a while.

You decide whom you interact with every day.

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About author:

Michael Hoffman’s passion is guiding people to connect with their natural gifts. He believes that we all have innate gifts that hugely benefit others and the world when we offer them. The purest example of these gifts is the Native American concept of medicine or the gift you offer your people. Michael defines your medicine or gift as the natural effect you have on other people when your heart is open. Unfortunately, the demands of our current culture to comply and fit in often distract people away from their inherent gifts and the natural expression of their being. Michael believes many of us have forgotten our dreams and what we are about. This sadly results in a loss of purpose, passion, and vitality. As an innate gift specialist, Michael offers retreats, classes, and individual sessions to allow people to reclaim their natural gifts. These venues allow people to identify, awaken, and offer their gifts. This experiential work incorporates Zen thought, Native American ceremony, rites-of-passage, and releasing limiting belief systems. Michael also maintains his meta blog to provide knowledge, skills, and awareness for unfolding your natural gifts. He is currently compiling this knowledge and research into a college class and book. Michael earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 1987 and Master of Social Work in 1996. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. In addition to his formal education, Michael studied and apprenticed with a Zen Master and spiritual teacher for 22 years to learn how to guide people to understand themselves. He has worked with people professionally since 1986 as a psychotherapist and teacher. Michael currently resides in Oceanside, California.

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