The $100 MBA Show: Episode MBA2657 Q&A Wednesday - How Do I Deal With Negative Friends?

Release Date: July 30, 2025
Host: Omar Zenhom

In Episode MBA2657 of The $100 MBA Show, host Omar Zenhom tackles a common yet challenging issue faced by entrepreneurs and professionals alike: dealing with negative friends. Drawing from his extensive experience in entrepreneurship, Omar dives deep into the impact of one's social circle on personal and professional growth and offers actionable strategies to cultivate a supportive and growth-oriented network.

Introduction to the Topic

Omar begins the episode by addressing a listener's question posed by Alex: "How do I deal with negative friends?" He sets the stage by emphasizing the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences to foster growth and success.

Notable Quote:

"The friends you keep equals the life you keep." (02:15)

The Impact of Your Social Circle

Omar underscores the profound effect that friends have on one's mindset and behaviors. He shares his personal journey of transitioning from a teaching career to full-time entrepreneurship, which necessitated distancing himself from friends whose lifestyles were incompatible with his new aspirations.

Key Points:

• Jim Rohn's Influence: Omar references Jim Rohn's quote, "You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with," highlighting how critical it is to choose friends who align with one's growth objectives.
  Quote:

  "That quote literally changed my life and everything for me." (03:00)

• Environmental Influence: The environment and people around you shape your thoughts, beliefs, and actions. Negative or stagnant friends can inadvertently pull you back from your growth trajectory.
  Quote:

  "If the people around you are always complaining, doubting, playing it safe, not pushing themselves, it's not long before that becomes your default too." (04:10)

Why Negative Friends Resist Your Growth

Omar delves into the psychological underpinnings of why some friends may exhibit negativity towards your endeavors:

• Subconscious Stagnation: Negative friends often resist others' growth because it highlights their own lack of progress, leading to subconscious attempts to pull you back down.

• Disguised Fear: Negative feedback often masquerades as concern or joking, making it challenging to discern genuine support from hidden fears.
  Quote:

  "That's not support, that's fear disguised as love or friendship." (05:00)

Practical Steps to Manage Negative Relationships

Omar offers a four-step framework to navigate and mitigate the influence of negative friends:

1. Accept That You'll Outgrow People
   Acknowledging that personal growth may lead to outgrowing certain relationships is the first step.
   Quote:

   "You will outgrow people. That's just how life is." (06:00)

2. Make Space for the Right People
   Actively seek out and engage with individuals who are aligned with your goals, whether in business, health, creativity, or other areas. Omar shares his experience of networking with successful individuals to expand his own aspirations.
   Quote:

   "If you want to win in business, hang out with people who win in business." (07:15)

3. Schedule Connections Intentionally
   Making new friends requires deliberate effort, especially as an adult. Omar suggests setting aside specific times to attend events, meetups, or conferences that attract like-minded individuals.
   Quote:

   "One room at a time, one scheduled event in your calendar at a time." (08:45)

4. Embrace the Transformation
   As you build a new, positive network, expect to experience new ideas, increased inspiration, and a renewed sense of self. This transformation reinforces the value of surrounding yourself with supportive and ambitious individuals.
   Quote:

   "You're going to start feeling like yourself and you're growing into a new self." (09:30)

Navigating Negative Influences Within Family

Omar acknowledges the additional complexity when negative influences come from family members. He advises a nuanced approach:

• Limit Energy Exposure: Instead of cutting ties, which is often not feasible with family, limit the emotional energy you invest in interactions.

• Selective Sharing: Avoid discussing your big dreams and plans with family members who may not support them.
  Quote:

  "Don't bring your biggest dreams to people who aren't qualified to handle them." (10:15)

Conclusion and Encouragement

Omar wraps up the episode by reinforcing the necessity of distancing oneself from negative influences to achieve personal and professional growth. He emphasizes that while letting go of certain relationships can be challenging, it is a crucial step towards building a fulfilling and successful life.

Final Quote:

"Your future is waiting for you. But it needs you to step into new rooms." (11:40)

Key Takeaways

• Evaluate Your Social Circle: Regularly assess whether your friends support or hinder your growth.
• Proactive Networking: Deliberately seek out and connect with individuals who inspire and challenge you.
• Maintain Grace with Family: Balance maintaining family relationships while protecting your energy and aspirations.
• Embrace Change: Understand that personal growth often necessitates evolving relationships and environments.

This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact our relationships have on our journey towards success. Omar Zenhom provides both the philosophical reasoning and practical strategies to help listeners cultivate a supportive and growth-oriented network, essential for achieving their entrepreneurial and personal goals.

For more insights and actionable business lessons, subscribe to The $100 MBA Show and stay updated with Omar Zenhom's expert advice.