The 5 Kinds of Co-workers Successful People Know to Avoid

The 5 Kinds of Co-workers Successful People Know to AvoidThe 5 Kinds of Co-workers Successful People Know to AvoidSuccessful people often share a powerful principle, brilliantly encapsulated in a quote from entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker Jim Rohn You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.I first heard this quote seven years ago, and it prompted me to think seriously about the people closest to me, and how they affected me. And I learned how much negative people can affect me without me realizing it.My own success increased rapidly when I took an honest look at the people around me and replaced negative relationships with positive, empowering individuals who would support and inspire me.Here are five toxic rollealities you should remove from your life immediately1. The HaterMeet the relentless complainer, the person who perpetually sees the negative in everything. The hater complains about the world, blames others for her lack of success, and criticize the brave souls who try to achieve something of value.Negativity is contagious, so the danger with this person is that she will expect you to keep her misery company. In time, she could make you believe its okay to be a hater, too.Successful people dont spend time with haters, but with other successful, positive people. Youll do yourself a favor by removing this person from your life.2. The Envious OneA friend or colleague who is envious wont celebrate your victories or support your dreams. He covets the life youre aspiring to create, in large part because he doesnt believe in his own ability to achieve the saatkorn success.Being an employee, a boss, or a co-worker is hard enough. Choose to surround yourself with people who can be genuinely happy for your micro-achievements and champion your long-term aspirations.3. The FlakeThis personality type routinely backs out of commitments and expects you to accommodate her ever-changing schedule (and whims). Your time is valuable, but the flake doesnt respect that notion.If a friend or associate cant honor your plans, meet you halfway, and arrive on time, then use those instances to state and enforce your boundaries. Learning to take care of yourself first, and respect your time, will also help you in other areas of your life and work.4. The Guilt TripperHeres the herausforderung with guilt You cant dream when someone makes you feel guilty for desiring better. You cant capture value when youve learned to feel guilty for asking to be paid what youre worth.If youre like me, youre still trying to resolve some of the guilt learned from childhood or other past experiences. At times, I found it difficult to focus on myself because I was too busy accepting the guilt others were placing on me.Do your best to identify and distance yourself from people who make you feel guilty. This one is hard, because its often family members engaging in this behavior.Its easy for me to say that you should distance yourself from a p arent or a sibling- but that doesnt make it any less true. Ive had to do this myself, and I can tell you Its possible to find a healthy medium between keeping family in your life and detaching from their guilt.5. The Perpetually FearfulThere are people around you who are simply afraid to go for it. They view life through a lens of fear and lack the basic belief that things will work out for the best.That is the exact opposite energy you need, especially while youre starting out.As personal-development legend Bob Proctor said, If you see it in your mind, you will hold it in your hand. Avoid fearful people with limiting beliefs, and embrace your visions of success instead.If you think youre immune to the people listed above, think again. These personality types will overtly or subconsciously influence your life and affect the energy in your space.Want evidence? Spend 24 hours with a friend who cusses like a sailor. Youll start cussing too. That same principle works with hate, envy, fe ar, and self-doubt.The opposite is also true. If you surround yourself with positive people, youll find yourself more positive and successful.Remember our opening quote from Jim Rohn? Take the necessary steps to ensure the five people closest to you exhibit the traits you want to emulate as you reach for greater personal development and success.More From Inc.Beware Working With Jerks Can Turn You Into a Jerk at Home, Study Shows25 Phrases That Kill Workplace Relationships6 Subtle Signs Your Relationships at Work Are Breaking DownPhoto of woman serious courtesy of Portra/Getty Images.