Two Kinds of People

When I began coaching I was introduced to the idea of personal development! Some may call it self-help or therapy. It has really been life changing for me. I have and continue to learn a significant amount about myself and my interactions with others. I read and/or listen to audio daily. Some people may frown upon personal development which continues to confuse me so I don't spend much time on figuring out why. The bottom line is... why wouldn't you want to be a better person? Why wouldn't you want to live your best life?

On my way in and home from Boston, I was listening to John C Maxwell's audio on The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. There was one thing that really stuck out to me (many things were worthy of noting but this one thing made me think further in to myself). According to JCM, there are just two kinds of people in this world - those who lift and those who lean. When you really put some thought into it, his statement couldn't be more true? Let's analyze further...

lifters are those who go the extra mile. They are known to bend over backwards for others. You may have heard the expression, "(s)he would cut off his/her arm for you!" This person is a lifter. They lift you up. Lifters want to help others and add value to each life they touch. Their prime purpose for this life is to rise above the negative and bring out the positive.

On the flip side, leaners are those that essentially suck the life out of you. You dread picking up the phone when these people call. You find it a drag to be in their presence as they just bring you down. You could say these are the Debbie Downers of the bunch. Their leaning is tiring and for the most part, does not add much value to others. Their prime focus is on themselves without a care about you.

At times, I would imagine there is some of both (lifting and leaning) in all of us. No one is perfect. However, you are either a lifter or leaner - one more than the other. Whether you lift or lean, it is all dependent on what you choose to maximize on. It is a choice to be one or the other. Just like happiness is a choice. Our attitude will define who we are. We are in control of ourselves and what we allow to impact our lives. The problem with leaners is, some people may not realize they're leaners!

With that said, I challenge you to take a look within yourself. Do you add value to others or do you suck the life right out of them?

Thanks for reading! Until next time I ask you, are you a lifter or leaner? xoxo