Today’s title is inspired by all of the thousands of people who are returning Christmas presents. Who you choose to associate with is one of the most important choices you make. Each person has his or her own personality.

And with those personalities goes certain traits – things they may say or do. Some things they say or do will be helpful. Others are harmful so you should mentally say to yourself – “No thanks, return to sender.”

• When someone discourages you from pursuing your dreams, ask yourself, “Are they qualified?” If the answer is no, then just say to yourself, “No thanks!”

Dream busters, often family and close friends, tell you why your dream won’t work. Their intentions are usually honorable, but you still want to beware. They may discourage because they would be afraid to do it themselves. Or maybe they’re worried that you’ll be more successful than them.

You should accept critical advice from people who know – experts in your chosen area. People who’ve achieved what you’re trying to do.

• When someone tries to make you unhappy because they’re unhappy, just say to yourself, “No thanks!”

Negative Neds or Nellies are complainers, not doers. They focus on problems, not solutions. It seems that they’re only happy when they’re unhappy. They are major downers – negative forces that hold you back.

If you’re the “glass-is-half-full” type, there’s nothing wrong with getting opinions from a “half-empty” person. But make sure everyone you associate with is a problem-solver, not just a problem-finder. Problems are easy to find; what’s difficult is determining the right solutions.

• When someone tries to waste your time with endless conversation that has no substances, just say to yourself “No thanks!”

Energy zappers don’t respect your time. They go on and on and on and on … oops, sorry, just making the point! They take and take and take and take … okay, you’ve got the idea now! They will suck you dry and then move on. Let them!

You want to associate with people who lift you up. Who inspire you. People like you. They’re going somewhere. They’ve done something with their lives.

Our quote today is by the Spanish author, Miguel de Cervantes.

“Tell me what company you keep and I’ll tell you what you are.”

Or as the old saying goes … you won’t fly with eagles if you hang out with turkeys!

Next time, we’ll talk about how to be a goal-getter, not just a goal-setter. Great advice for making, and keeping, your New Year’s resolutions from Ben Franklin.

Until then, here’s to your bigg success!

Related Bigg Success Article: Happy People Make Happy Employees