Success Advice
How To Become Bulletproof From Negativity

Even people like Tony Robbins, Oprah, and Nelson Mandela have had to face humungous negative challenges in their life. No one is immune to them. Whether these negative situations infect you or not comes down to your toolkit of self-development weapons.
The last two weeks has given me two unexpected situations to deal with.
Situation One:
I decided to sell a car recently and received a call from a man that sounded pleasant. He was ready to buy it and wanted to see it as soon as possible. When he arrived at my house, I took him for a ride in it and all seemed to be well.
Then something unexpected happened. He checked the engine oil, and it was missing a few liters even though it was serviced a few months prior. Like a mad man, he began hurling some of the nastiest verbal abuse I’ve ever been victim to in front of his eighteen-year-old daughter.
This scenario left me broken for at least twenty-four hours afterward. At no stage did I ever expect to do the wrong thing by this person and the lack of oil in the car was an accident because I had no time to prepare the car and check these vital components beforehand.
Situation Two:
A friend of mine has been causing me constant pain. Each day they set a high level of expectation around what they believe I must say and do so that they can feel happy. After weeks of suffering, the tension became too much, and I decided enough was enough.
I suggested we either not be friends anymore or take a break for a few months to see if each of us form a different perspective. This approach started a wave of negativity and abuse that I wasn’t prepared for. The text messages escalated and each conversation became less friendly to put it politely. The outcome has resulted in me no longer being friends with this person which saddens me.
With these two enormously negative situations in mind, here is how I became bulletproof from all the negativity and how you can do the same:
1. Don’t react
When a negative situation occurs, you have to learn not to react. It’s this one skill that will see the effects of a negative situation quickly diminish. No matter what a person says or does, aim to remove yourself from the environment as quickly as possible.
Treat this negative environment like a war zone of dead bodies. You wouldn’t want to hang around there long would you? So evacuate as quick as you can and choose non-reaction. The self-talk stories in your head will last a few hours, but pretty soon there will be no energy left to power them because you have chosen non-reactivity.
2. Sleep ASAP
The quickest way to escape a wave of negativity is to sleep. Sleep will force your mind to rest and allow you to take a break from all the stories that are running through your head like an out-of- control subway train.
Before making any critical decisions about the negative situation, sleep first. Wake up the next day and see how you feel. Nine times out of ten you’ll experience a lower level of negativity so that you can at least function. Double down with a healthy dose of meditation if need be.
3. Disconnect from all conversations
Being bulletproof from negativity requires you to disconnect from all conversations about a negative event. This takes extreme discipline. You’ll never be able to escape a negative situation if you keep talking about it.
The more you talk about it the clearer the image of pain becomes in your mind. Your mind focuses on whatever you spend the most time thinking about. If it’s one of those negative situations like mine, then there probably is a solution. The best thing to do is hit the eject button and go to a safe zone.
My safe zone is being around beautiful people that lift me up and want me to achieve my dreams. These people are everywhere, if you look for them in the right place. You probably won’t find them at the pub or in a nightclub. They’re at seminars, meetups, personal development blogs, at the gym, and they are probably starting or running businesses.
They’re the people that are winning at life because they’ve constantly chosen to disconnect from events and people that don’t empower them. Are there any conversations you should disconnect from right away? If so, then do so right now.
4. Remember the one thing that matters to you
To be bulletproof from negativity, you must always keep your dream in sight. What can happen is that negativity can distract you from your dream and take you off course. By going off course, you feel even more negative emotions because you’re missing out on the fulfillment you get from your dream.
The way I got back on track was to remember what the one thing was that matters to me: inspiring people through entrepreneurship and personal development. It’s my two-sentence vision, and it’s how I recover from all the landmines that appear in my life when I least expect it.
“You can become bulletproof from negativity when you practice the habit of always going back to the thing that gets you up in the morning”
5. Lose yourself
Becoming bulletproof from negativity requires you to lose yourself when a negative wave of events hits your human radar. Practically speaking, with the two situations above, I became lost in my own world and went and drove my brand new car.
I drove to the airport and watched the planes take off. This reminded me of how much I love traveling and how small the world is. It reminded me of how I used to think I was afraid of flying and would never travel. Now this fear is abolished, and it was all because of crushing my BS thoughts about why I thought I couldn’t do something.
I also lost myself by going to the beach and having a swim and watching the sunset. Nature can have a wonderfully positive effect on us if we let it. Nature brings us back to the present and reminds us just how much beauty there is in the world when we step outside ourselves.
“Becoming bulletproof is not about forgetting; it’s about losing yourself and being okay to be lost once in a while. It’s knowing that we can’t be laser focused 365 days a year and sometimes wandering off the walking trail can help us see a different world”
***A happy ending to the story
So with both of these situations that I mentioned, I tapped into my belief that things will change for the better. The wonderful thing about this belief is that you leave yourself open to whatever comes by. I was surprised when the next day I woke up to this article that I wrote on Entrepreneur.com going semi-viral.
My social media accounts exploded, and I was inundated with heartfelt messages of inspiration and praise. It’s like I always say; if you put out good in the world, then everything you could ever want will come right back at you.
How are you going to become bulletproof from negativity? Let me know on my website timdenning.net or my Facebook.
Personal Development
These 11 Habits Will Make You More Productive, Successful, and Confident
Boost your focus, confidence, and results with 11 powerful habits successful people use every day.

Successful people love to help beginners. They have an incredible work ethic and rarely complain. As a result, others naturally look up to them and want to follow in their footsteps.
But here’s the truth: there’s no success without sacrifice. You’ll need to give up comfort, excuses, and sometimes even social approval to accomplish your goals.
Value comes from solving problems, and these 11 powerful tips will help you become more productive, successful, and confident, starting today.
1. Take Short Breaks After Finishing a Task
Psychology shows it’s important to reward positive behaviour.
After completing a big task or finishing a book, take five minutes to walk, stretch, or simply breathe. This quick reset helps your brain recharge and strengthens focus.
Many great writers swear by morning walks, solitude, and reflection can unlock creativity.
But if you refuse to take breaks, don’t be surprised when burnout hits. Your brain needs recovery time just as much as your body does.
2. Schedule Your Most Important Tasks First
Multitasking kills productivity. If you want to get more done, try time blocking, a method where you dedicate set periods for specific tasks.
Productivity expert Caitlin Hughes explains, “Time blocking involves scheduling blocks of time for your tasks throughout the day.”
For example, if you’re a writer:
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Research your topic at night.
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Write your first draft in the morning (don’t worry if it’s rough).
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Edit in the afternoon, great writing comes from rewriting.
You can’t buy more time. Use it intentionally and without regret.
3. Eliminate Distractions from Your Workspace
Focus is the foundation of success.
According to Inc. Magazine, it takes an average of 23 minutes to recover from a distraction. That’s nearly half an hour of lost productivity every time you check your phone.
Put your phone away. Close unnecessary tabs. And yes, limit your Netflix binges.
Meeting deadlines consistently is one of the fastest ways to stand out and earn respect.
4. Take Full Responsibility for Your Life
Entrepreneur Derek Sivers once said, “Everything is my fault.”
This mindset doesn’t mean self-blame; it means self-ownership. Stop pointing fingers, making excuses, or waiting for others to change.
If your habits (like smoking or drinking too much) hold you back, it’s time to make better choices. Your friends can’t live your dreams for you; only you can.
5. Invest an Hour a Day in Learning New Skills
Knowledge compounds over time.
Whether you read books, take online courses, or practise a craft, consistent learning gives you a competitive edge.
I used to struggle with academic writing, but I improved by studying the work of great authors and applying what I learned.
Your past doesn’t define you; your actions do. Every new skill adds another tool to your arsenal and makes you more unstoppable.
6. Develop a Growth Mindset
Psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck introduced the concept of fixed vs. growth mindset.
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A fixed mindset believes success is based on natural talent.
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A growth mindset believes success comes from effort and learning.
Choose the growth mindset. Embrace challenges. See failures as feedback. In today’s fast-moving digital world, adaptability is your biggest advantage.
7. Learn Marketing to Reach People Who Need You
I once believed marketing was manipulative, until I realised it’s about helping people solve problems.
If your work provides genuine value, marketing is how you let others know it exists. Even Apple spends billions on it.
Don’t be ashamed to promote your skills or business. Without visibility, your ideas will never reach the people who need them most.
Creative professionals who understand marketing and sales have an unfair advantage.
8. Ask Your Mentor the Right Questions
Good mentors can fast-track your growth.
While mentorship often costs money, it’s one of the best investments you can make. Great mentors don’t care about titles; they care about your progress.
If you don’t have access to a mentor yet, books are your silent mentors. Read the best in your field, take notes, and apply what resonates.
9. Build Confidence Through Action, Not Affirmations
Author Ryan Holiday once said, “I don’t believe in myself. I have evidence.”
Confidence doesn’t come from shouting affirmations into the mirror; it comes from proof. Doing hard things, keeping promises to yourself, and following through.
When you consistently take action, your brain gathers evidence that you can handle whatever comes next. That’s real confidence, grounded, earned, and unshakable.
10. Focus on Your Strengths
Your strengths reveal where your greatest impact lies.
If people compliment you on something often, it’s a clue. Lean into it.
A former professor once told me I was creative, and that simple comment gave me the confidence to go all in. I studied creativity, applied it daily, and turned it into my career advantage.
Double down on your strengths. That’s how you build momentum and mastery.
11. Identify and Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs
Your beliefs shape your reality.
For years, I believed I couldn’t be a great writer because of my chronic tinnitus and astigmatism, sensory challenges that made concentration difficult. But over time, I realised those struggles made me more disciplined, observant, and empathetic.
Your limitations can become your greatest motivators if you let them.
Avoid shortcuts. Growth takes time, but it’s always worth it.
Final Thoughts
Becoming productive, successful, and confident isn’t about working harder than everyone else. It’s about working smarter, consistently, and intentionally.
You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Start small: take a break after your next task, schedule your priorities, or spend one hour learning something new.
Every habit you change compounds into long-term success. Remember, true change comes from practising new behaviours.
Success Advice
Why One-Size-Fits-All Leadership Will Always Fail (and What Works Instead)
The surprising truth about leadership styles that can make or break your team’s success.

Leadership has always been as much about people as it is about performance. Ken Blanchard, in his influential book, “The One Minute Manager”, put it simply: different strokes for different folks. (more…)
Success Advice
What Every New CEO Must Do in Their First 100 Days (or Risk Failure)
Your first 100 days as CEO could define your entire legacy, here’s how to make every move count

When Tim Cook took over from Steve Jobs at Apple, the world watched with bated breath. Jobs wasn’t just a CEO; he was a visionary, an icon, and a legend of innovative leadership. (more…)
Entrepreneurs
The Leadership Shift Every Company Needs in 2025
Struggling to keep your team engaged? Here’s how leaders can turn frustrated employees into loyal advocates.

In workplaces around the world, there’s a growing gap between employers and employees and between superiors and their teams. It’s a common refrain: “People don’t leave companies, they leave bad bosses.”
While there are, of course, cases where management could do better, this isn’t just a “bad boss” problem. The relationship between leaders and employees is complex. Instead of assigning blame, we should explore practical solutions to build stronger, healthier workplaces where everyone thrives.
Why This Gap Exists
Every workplace needs someone to guide, supervise, and provide feedback. That’s essential for productivity and performance. But because there are usually far more employees than managers, dissatisfaction, fair or not, spreads quickly.
What if, instead of focusing on blame, we focused on building trust, empathy, and communication? This is where modern leadership and human-centered management can make a difference.
Tools and Techniques to Bridge the Gap
Here are proven strategies leaders and employees can use to foster stronger relationships and create a workplace where people actually want to stay.
1. Practice Mutual Empathy
Both managers and employees need to recognize they are ultimately on the same team. Leaders have to balance people and performance, and often face intense pressure to hit targets. Employees who understand this reality are more likely to cooperate and problem-solve collaboratively.
2. Maintain Professional Boundaries
Superiors should separate personal issues from professional decision-making. Consistency, fairness, and integrity build trust, and trust is the foundation of a motivated team.
3. Follow the Golden Rule
Treat people how you would like to be treated. This simple principle encourages compassion and respect, two qualities every effective leader must demonstrate.
4. Avoid Micromanagement
Micromanaging stifles creativity and damages morale. Great leaders see themselves as partners, not just bosses, and treat their teams as collaborators working toward a shared goal.
5. Empower Employees to Grow
Empowerment means giving employees responsibility that matches their capacity, and then trusting them to deliver. Encourage them to take calculated risks, learn from mistakes, and problem-solve independently. If something goes wrong, turn it into a learning opportunity, not a reprimand.
6. Communicate in All Directions
Communication shouldn’t just be top-down. Invite feedback, create open channels for suggestions, and genuinely listen to what your people have to say. Healthy upward communication closes gaps before they become conflicts.
7. Overcome Insecurities
Many leaders secretly fear being outshone by younger, more tech-savvy employees. Instead of resisting, embrace the chance to learn from them. Humility earns respect and helps the team innovate faster.
8. Invest in Coaching and Mentorship
True leaders grow other leaders. Provide mentorship, career guidance, and stretch opportunities so employees can develop new skills. Leadership is learned through experience, but guided experience is even more powerful.
9. Eliminate Favoritism
Avoid cliques and office politics. Decisions should be based on facts and fairness, not gossip. Objective, transparent decision-making builds credibility.
10. Recognize Efforts Promptly
Recognition often matters more than rewards. Publicly appreciate employees’ contributions and do so consistently and fairly. A timely “thank you” can be more motivating than a quarterly bonus.
11. Conduct Thoughtful Exit Interviews
When employees leave, treat it as an opportunity to learn. Keep interviews confidential and use the insights to improve management practices and culture.
12. Provide Leadership Development
Train managers to lead, not just supervise. Leadership development programs help shift mindsets from “command and control” to “coach and empower.” This transformation has a direct impact on morale and retention.
13. Adopt Soft Leadership Principles
Today’s workforce, largely millennials and Gen Z, value collaboration over hierarchy. Soft leadership focuses on partnership, mutual respect, and shared purpose, rather than rigid top-down control.
The Bigger Picture: HR’s Role
Mercer’s global research highlights five key priorities for organizations:
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Build diverse talent pipelines
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Embrace flexible work models
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Design compelling career paths
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Simplify HR processes
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Redefine the value HR brings
The challenge? Employers and employees often view these priorities differently. Bridging that perception gap is just as important as bridging the relational gap between leaders and staff.
Treat Employees Like Associates, Not Just Staff
When you treat employees like partners, they bring their best selves to work. HR leaders must develop strategies to keep talent engaged, empowered, and prepared for the future.
Organizational success starts with people, always. Build the relationship with your team first, and the results will follow.
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