#284 How to Deal with Drama

I’m allergic to drama

Let me start by saying: I’M ALLERGIC TO DRAMA.

What does drama do to you? It sucks the life out of you. It kills momentum. It does nothing but take away.

I have zero tolerance for it. I won’t let it stay around. Even though I’m allergic, we all have to deal with drama from time to time. Here’s how I approach it…

You have one shot

If you bring drama into my life one time, and I like you, then I’ll probably deal with it. But I don’t have a second or third try. If someone is regularly bringing drama into my life, I’ll straight-up cut them out.

I’ll stop dealing and associating with that person. I’m the kind of person that is okay making hard cuts because I understand how destructive drama can be.

Drama is a complete waste of time

If you're that person thinking, "What did I do with my Tuesday? All I did was worried about what my aunt said to me. All I did was worried about the gossip at work. All I did was worried about arguing with this person on Facebook.”

Think about what you got accomplished. There’s a lot of talking and not a lot of doing. Nothing gets done.

These are the people that don’t exist in my circle. It’s by design because I know what path I’m on, and I intend to stay the course.

Drama = we are not friends

If you bring the drama, we’re not friends. Plain and simple. That may hurt your feelings and may sound a bit harsh, but it’s just the way it is.

Do things happen in life? Of course, everyone goes through hard times. That’s not what I’m talking about here. What I’m talking about is the unwanted shit that is brought on by yourself or others that you allow into your life.

Wake up!

Start paying attention.

Maybe you feel like you have some good momentum going, but there’s still some noise there off to the side. A family member or friend is trying to pull you back into their bullshit, gossip about Harry and Sally, or generally has a negative view of the world.

This is what I’m talking about.

Cut it off & create boundaries

What happens when you cut it off? What happens if you don’t give the drama any oxygen?

Some people will say, “G, I have family members. I can’t cut them out of my life.”

I’m not telling you to cut out your family members, but maybe you should try making yourself a little less accessible. Maybe you’re not answering every phone call Monday through Friday. Maybe you’re not responding every time they chirp you on Facebook. Making yourself less accessible will help you stay out of the unnecessary, drama-filled battles.

Setting boundaries is important. Setting boundaries will do wonders for your sanity. Setting boundaries will allow you to sustain the momentum.

Is your life filled with drama? Go ahead, take inventory for a regular day during the week. What are you doing? Who are you talking to? Are you as efficient and effective as you can be? Are you headed in the right direction?

Making cuts isn’t easy, but keeping those drama-filled people in your life is a recipe for destruction. In the end, you must do what’s best for you.