Commit yourself to spending time only with people who are working to have a good life. Negative or lazy people will discourage you and bring you down to their level. As an old English saying goes,

"Keep company with those make you better."

Who makes you better? In other words:

Who helps you to see what's great about yourself?

Who motivates you to get the kind of results they achieve?

Who is truly oriented to serving other people with kindness?

Who wants to help you be successful?

Henry Ford said one of his secrets to success was to spend time only with people who brought out the best in him. And, really, why would you want to spend time with anyone who doesn't help you to do better?

On the other hand, are you surrounded by "crabs"? Crabs are people who are not working toward the life they want and, as a result, will attempt to tear down your efforts.

Make every effort to identify and root out your "crabs." If you can't remove them from your life, at least stay determined not to let them damage your self-image or deter you on your progress toward a worthwhile goal.

Mark Twain may have said it best:

"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great."

Shari Peace is an international speaker, an author, and the president of Peace Talks, a professional speaking firm that helps organizations and people to get more done. Her book, Crank It Out! How to Get More Done ? At Work & In Your Life, features tips for smart time management and improved productivity. Reach her at http://www.sharipeace.com.