There is the older gentleman I work with. Everyone at work hates him. They all talk terrible about him when he isn't around. Sometimes, even to his face, but in a "joking manor."

Recently it's become worse than ever. Everyone's got something to say, something to complain about. Everyone. Knowing this, should make you care that much less. Knowing that you cannot control the opinion of others, should make you can even less.

And he knows, he can tell. See, he just got a promotion he "shouldn't of," and it pissed some people off. They know he is a lazy idiot, he knows he is a lazy idiot. And, trust me, it's a pretty penny.

This is an example of how our society gangs up on someone. They (everyone that works there.) all go off at the mouth about him, constantly. One joke here, another here, all about how much of a piece of shit he is. Why? BECAUSE, they have nothing else better to do. They have nothing more interesting to talk about, it's what people have defaulted to. It's become synonymous with the worlds most terrible opener, "can you believe this weather?"

Whether this is good or bad for him, or he is following the 48 laws of power, isn't my concern. He did get the promotion, but the reasons why are far too ambiguous, from my point of view, to know truly why. And I can pick up the book and emulate them, just like every single one of you, I don't need him as an example for such. Instead, my point is to say, do not become brainwashed with this negative thinking. Those of you who work, or are soon to work in political corporate environments, remember, everyone has something to say. High school isn't over, the paradigm carries over into this world. These people will spend endless amounts of time talking about you when you make a small mistake, it's what they do.

Everyone talks shit behind your back, it's what they do. They pretend like they're your friend and would be totally surprised if you asked them something about shit talking, but all along everyone is talking. Probably some positive, but mostly negative. Because positive is boring. And their lives are boring, it's the way they can add some spice to it. Not just women, men too.

And the one key; HOLDING FRAME. This is the true secret to success. Not just externally, but internally. Do not let yourself fall into the trap, you're not them, you aren't ready to settle for mediocre. You don't have the time to talk shit or become focused on someone else. If it directly affects you, act and move along. Negativity is a complete waste of time and talking badly about someone will not make you feel any better, ultimately.

The way I view it is amoral. I will only shame someone or talk badly if I am to gain from it, and when the opportunity presents itself.

But, when I do. I ensure my frame is strong. And that whatever I say, can be said by me, directly to the person it's about.

Everyone has something to say, but don't waste your time. Act. Everyone has something to say, so change the subject to something productive. This is something I have had to do with every single one of my coworkers. This is something I have to do to stay away from negativity and keep pressing. If I have time to talk shit about someone, I have time to trim my ball hair, chill with a 6, and activate my social media.

Your mindset will not fade years down the line when you develop a deep sense of frame. It will not fade when things like this become habitual. And you won't fall victim to the beta you, the old you, if you keep on keeping on. Don't become complacent or fall back in line with the rest of them.