Building Things Up vs. Tearing Things Down
by Stanley Bronstein on May 16, 2008
Be Constructive Not Destructive
(Dwight Eisenhower)
Most constructive people have learned, either purposely or accidentally, that it is better to focus primarily on building and creating than focusing on tearing things down. Unfortunately, most destructive people have yet to learn (and may never learn) that lesson.
Over the years, I have, unfortunately, been “fortunate” enough to have met many such negative people in my life and in my career. I refer to these people as “toxic” people. One definition of the word “toxic” from Webster’s Dictionary is: extremely harsh, malicious, or harmful. Throughout this book, whenever I refer to people as being “toxic,” I mean that they are extremely harsh, malicious, or harmful BOTH to themselves and others. I call these people “toxaholics”, because they are addicted to the toxins they share with others.
Have you met any toxaholics (“toxic” people) in your life? Are they still in your life?
Take out a piece of paper and write down the names of some of these people and some examples of things they have done that were harmful to themselves and to you.
Now, write down the names of some POSITIVE people and some examples of things they have done that were helpful to themselves and to you.
Now compare the two types. Which type of person would you rather have in your life? Which type of person would you like to be? Which type of person would you like to be known as by others?
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Until next time, take care.
Stanley F. BronsteinHave you checked out my website that profiles the benefits of walking? iWarriorWalk.com





May 17th, 2008 at 4:23 am
i’d like to think that i am not a toxaholic, although i frequently spend too much time focused on pointing out faults in others as opposed to pointing out the positive sides to them.
your post was brief, but has got me thinking about the necessity for pointing out the positive qualities in those around me more frequently than i have been. thanks for that.
May 17th, 2008 at 4:36 am
[...] Read more Building Things Up vs. Tearing Things Down [...]
May 17th, 2008 at 6:48 am
spostareduro
First, I apologize for the brief posting, but I have family in from out of town and had to go out to dinner and such.
You are correct. We ALL can be negative and it is so easy for us to focus on the negative. Heck, I even found myself doing it the other day.
HOWEVER, by becoming more and more aware of the positive, we will see great things happening all around us.
Stay in touch.