Negative people often influence what we think about.

• Pay attention to how your thoughts change when you're faced with negative people. The more time you spend dreading, fretting, worrying, and rehashing, the less time you'll have to devote to more productive things.

Negative people can bring out the worst in us if we're not careful. A normally calm, mild-mannered person may resort to yelling when he can’t take one more second of negativity.

When you act in a manner that isn’t consistent with your usual behavior, accept responsibility for it. Commit to controlling your emotional reactivity and staying true to your values, despite your circumstances.

It’s difficult to look on the bright side when you’re surrounded by negativity. Seek out positive people to keep you balanced. A positive person can brighten your spirit.

Identify the positive people in your life. Proactively schedule time with them on a regular basis.

Take back your power and focus your time and energy on becoming your best self.