May 29, 2007

How To Deal With Cynics

In This Issue:

Feature Article: "How To Deal With Cynics"

Quick Tips: "The Good Thing About Housework"

Fast Facts: "When's The Best Time To Exercise?"

* FEATURE ARTICLE *

“How To Deal With Cynics”

Last week we discussed strategies for dealing with people who seem generally critical.

Now it's onto those cheery people, cynics.

Cynics, like skeptics, are inherently untrusting. (Note: I said "untrustING" not "untrustworthy!) But unlike skeptics, cynics don't just disbelieve the information being presented to them... they also think there's some ulterior motive for presenting the information!

Now, as I mentioned in last week's newsletter, I really am generalizing when I suggest that a person could be cynical about everything.

But let's assume that some people are overwhelmingly cynical - at least in your presence or in relation to things that matter to you. Here are some tips for dealing with such folk...

1. Firstly, try to understand why the person is, or tends to be, cynical about something (or things in general).

My observation is that cynics are often carting around a lot of "baggage". They've been "burned" before and they don't want to be burned again.

Which actually brings me to another key difference between skeptics and cynics. While skeptics' disbelief or lack of faith is generally rational (regardless of whether that's good or bad!)...cynics' disbelief or lack of faith is largely emotionally driven.

They don't just disbelieve because of a lack of evidence. They disbelieve because emotionally they can't, or don't want to, believe.

Which means that, in dealing with a cynic, your main objective isn't really to make them believe (which may be impossible or just too difficult), but to make it clear that YOU don't buy into their cynicism.

2. Be warned. Maybe, just maybe, the cynic is right. I urge you to make up your own mind, rather than be swayed by someone who may have more baggage than facts... but all the same, maybe they are legitimately suspicious. Perhaps, based on their experience, they can sense that things seem too good to be true. So rather than reject it out of hand, treat this as more information to help you reach your own conclusions.

3. Ignore the person's cynicism. If the cynic is unlikely to change, and if their behavior doesn't or shouldn't really matter... don't let it get to you. Be happy knowing that you are not cynical, and haven't been so scarred by past
experiences.

4. If you can't just ignore it and want the cynic's jibes, snide comments or other such behavior to stop... stand up to them. Acknowledge that you understand that they don't believe the information being presented to them... but make it clear that you're not going to reject that information just because of the cynic's past experiences or issues.

Some cynics are looking for people to complain to - to boost their own cynical view of the world. If you refuse to join in, they often pipe down.

Of course, there's a risk that by refusing to participate in their cynicism, they will see you as part of the "conspiracy". So be it. Let them share their negativity with someone else.

5. If they continue to annoy you, make it clear that you don't appreciate their behavior. They are free to be as cynical as they like... but that's not an invitation to complain or sulk to you.

6. When all else fails, limit or avoid your dealings with them. You don't need someone like this in your life, constantly infecting you with their negativity.

Now... if YOU tend to be cynical about certain things, realise that this is doing you no good, and may be harming your relationships with others.

Ask yourself why you feel the way you do - is it because you really do have all the facts... or because past experiences have clouded your view? If it's the latter, maybe it's time to let the past go... for your sake and for the sake of your relationships.

Next week, we'll talk about skeptics!

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* HIGHLY RECOMMENDED *

“Why I Drive a Mercedes and You Don't”

"Why I Drive a Mercedes and You Don't" is the tagline use by a couple of entrepreneurs - Steve Mitchell and Rosanna Lee Ryan - to promote their Million Dollar Roadmap membership program.

I've mentioned the program before and now the program is really starting to ramp up.

They are even planning to run a competition where you can win a one-week, all expenses paid trip to Los Angeles where the Million Dollar Roadmap team will fully evaluate and advise you on your business.

And here's the best part.

There's still time to join (and be in the running for the trip).

And what's more, the program is in beta, so it's CHEAP to join... (less than a cup of coffee a WEEK).

And that's despite the fact that you get everything from ongoing course material to two live workshops as part of the program.

Rosanna and Steve are even giving away 20+ short business videos to help your business, simply for taking a look over the main registration page.

Take a look:

==> Million Dollar Roadmap

Oh, and Rosanna and Steve are certainly not amateurs. Last year they personally topped $1.7 million in pre-tax PROFIT (not "sales") from their consulting. They have given large corporate seminars across the world on topics such as permission based marketing, and online marketing strategies and techniques.

So here's the deal. All you need to do is visit their site, read the preliminary stuff and if you "think" you might be interested you can request more detailed information.

Even if you simply visit their site, grab the videos and read what they have to say, you've done yourself a favor:

==> Million Dollar Roadmap

* QUICK TIPS *

“The Good Thing About Housework”

Housework is such a chore isn't it?

But don't stop tidying up, hanging out the washing, and putting out the garbage just yet.

Not only is a clean and tidy house necessary for hygiene and health (and for general home navigation!), but housework is also a form of exercise.

Now, it may not be anywhere near as arduous as housework a century ago - and I'd be the last person to suggest that it's better than a solid workout in the pool, on the track, or at the gym - but at the very least, doing jobs around the house gets you moving... and burning up calories.

So if you opt to outsource some of your housework to someone else (e.g. a cleaner)... be sure to replace the time you'd otherwise spend cleaning and tidying, etc with an activity that's just as - and ideally more - active.

Some of the more active (calorie burning) chores are:

-- Mowing the lawn
-- Gardening
-- Vacuuming
-- Mopping
-- Cleaning the shower / bath
-- Hanging clothes on the clothes line

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* HIGHLY RECOMMENDED *

“Your Front Line Business Guide Book”

Award winning author Brian Hazelgren has put his expertise into the hands of the entrepreneur.

In his latest book “Tactical Entrepreneur” Brian discusses topics such as:

• How to make it in the brutal world of business ownership
• Acquire the TACTICAL abilities needed to be successful
• Creating the FREEDOM needed to reach your goals
• Establishing Calculated Risks
• Learning from others mistakes
• Do you have what it takes?
• Targeting your market
• How to build a successful marketing plan
• Business Planning
• Plus Much More!

The book also contains worksheets, brainstorming techniques, the nine signs of an entrepreneur and a sample business plan.

This book is a must for anyone who is just starting out or the seasoned professional who needs a refresher course.

Plus, there are bonuses worth thousands of dollars for everyone who purchases Brian's book.

To get your copy of Tactical Entrepreneur (and claim your bonuses) visit:

==> Tactical Entrepreneur

* FAST FACTS *

“When's The Best Time To Exercise?”

According to Associate Professor Steve Boutcher of the University
of New South Wales, who has spent five years researching fat loss
and exercise...

The best time to exercise for losing fat is... in the morning.

According to Associate Professor Boutcher, after a night of fasting, your body is predisposed to burning up fat, and continues to do so during morning exercise.

However, the best time to exercise to build muscle is... in the afternoon or early evening.

It's at this time that your muscles are warmer and certain hormones necessary for muscle resistance work are optimal.

So... is there a bad time to exercise?

Yes - just before bed. Exercising before bed raises your core body temperature and increases hormone activity, making your body hot and restless... rather than ready for a good night's sleep!

(Source: "What's Good For You", Nine Network Australia)

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