I’m sure there are a few of them in your life—the idea vampires. You have a new idea, you get excited about it, and then, with a few words, an idea vampire sucks the life and energy out of you. Here are three of them—and how to drive a stake through their hearts.
VAMPIRE: I’m not sure that would work.
YOU: Me, neither, but I’m excited about giving it a try.
VAMPIRE: I’ve heard of something similar. It failed.
YOU: Thanks—I’ll have to look into what went wrong so I can avoid making the same mistakes.
VAMPIRE: It’s all down to who you know—you don’t have the connections.
YOU: You’re right about the importance of connections, and it’s interesting how much easier it is to make them these days, using the internet.
What I hope you notice in all three answers is that they use what I call “word judo”—you start by agreeing (not obstructing) and then shifting the energy in a positive direction.
(PS: Do you know someone who might benefit from this tip? Please forward it to them--and also suggest that they sign up for my free monthly creativity & productivity Brainstorm e-bulletin, by request to [email protected])
