{"id":7106,"date":"2023-10-13T22:51:36","date_gmt":"2023-10-13T22:51:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pmascience.com\/jaypacheco\/?p=7106"},"modified":"2023-10-13T22:51:36","modified_gmt":"2023-10-13T22:51:36","slug":"stoic-scaping-gossip-to-self-growth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pmascience.com\/jaypacheco\/stoic-scaping-gossip-to-self-growth\/","title":{"rendered":"Stoic: Scaping Gossip To Self-Growth"},"content":{"rendered":"

Through\u00a0 Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) and Stoicism, gossip can be turned into self-growth.\u00a0For example, when you find yourself in a gossip situation, rather than engaging in gossip, you could ask yourself what you can learn about the situation and use it as an opportunity to grow.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\u201cThe greatest revenge is massive success.\u201d \u2013 Les Brown<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

During the past three weeks, I let my guard down at\u00a0the workplace\u00a0where gossip flowed like a river. And, it took me a few days to reflect by reading some Sumerian\u00a0tablets and history\u00a0books as well as\u00a0Epictetus. As\u00a0a\u00a0result, I decided\u00a0to write this short blog.<\/p>\n

It took me a couple of days of reflection\u00a0to\u00a0put together this short\u00a0story. It is\u00a0about how I unexpectedly found myself in the role of a common worker. Probably some of you feel that gossip stresses you out and\u00a0you might have felt the same way\u00a0I did.<\/p>\n

I have worked in environments that provide the opportunity for growth, but for the most part, I have worked in environments where gossip flows like a river, with whispers and rumors echoing through every hallway, the gym, the store, and the list seems to go on and on.\u00a0Although I have faced a challenging environment at my workplace, I have embraced a journey to transform my\u00a0mindset. This is\u00a0despite the challenges anyone can face, it has also made me realize that one can turn gossip into self-growth.<\/p>\n

Throughout 2019, I have been able to rise above the sea of negativity that has surrounded me.\u00a0However, at other times it is easier for me to find negativity, even in my own\u00a0mind. This is\u00a0when surrounded by gossipers and when I\u00a0leave\u00a0my guard\u00a0down. However,\u00a0this I\u00a0reversed\u00a0by re-reading a few books about personal development such as\u00a0Napoleon Hill<\/a>, and stoic texts such\u00a0as\u00a0Epictetus<\/a>,\u00a0Marcus Aurelius<\/a>, and\u00a0Seneca<\/a>, among others.<\/p>\n

The following are 10 tips to look out for when dealing with gossipers, 10 tips that will help you grow as a person using PMA and Stoicism, and 10 tips that will help you mingle with successful people and not feel stressed or depressed when doing so.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThe secret of happiness is<\/em>\u00a0<\/em>not in doing<\/em>\u00a0<\/em>what one likes, but in liking what one does.\u201d \u2013 James Matthew Barrie<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

A<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong>Gossipy<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong>Haven: 10 Common Observations<\/strong><\/p>\n

So, if what you like is gossiping, you\u2019re probably going to be pretty happy.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

There is nothing worse than working amid a gossip whirlwind \u2013 which is everywhere and contagious\u00a0\u2013 causing\u00a0mental worries and ruining relationships inside and outside the workplace as well as making one a gossiper if not watching up\u00a0for one\u2019s own\u00a0habits. Furthermore, aside\u00a0from loneliness,\u00a0gossip can also lead\u00a0to dissatisfaction\u00a0and discontent.\u00a0The effects of gossip should be aware of by anyone who is involved in it.\u00a0The act of gossip, for instance, can lead to the breakdown of trust between colleagues, and this, in turn, can lead to a decrease in productivity and morale in the workplace.<\/em><\/p>\n

1.\u00a0Whispers:<\/strong>\u00a0Everywhere. The cubicle, the water cooler, the washroom. They\u2019re inescapable.\u00a0For example, an employee may start a rumor about a colleague\u2019s behavior, and this rumor can spread quickly, damaging the reputation of the employee and creating a toxic work environment.<\/em><\/p>\n

2.\u00a0Cliques:<\/strong>\u00a0Groups that form like high school lunch tables, each with its own\u00a0gossip genre.\u00a0For example, a group of employees may form to gossip about a colleague\u2019s performance, and this can lead to feelings of exclusion and bullying.<\/em><\/p>\n

3.\u00a0Rapid Rumors:<\/strong>\u00a0How John from HR\u00a0knew\u00a0about Linda\u2019s date last night is a mystery.\u00a0For example, if an employee discloses confidential information to a colleague, the colleague may use that information to spread rumors about the employee without their knowledge<\/em>.<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0Jumping to Conclusions:<\/strong>\u00a0Half-baked tales\u00a0that\u00a0lead\u00a0to unwarranted judgments.\u00a0For example, if an employee is late to work, colleagues may assume that they are lazy, without considering other reasons for their lateness.<\/em><\/p>\n

5.\u00a0The Weekly Soap<\/strong>Opera:\u00a0<\/strong>Stories\u00a0that get recycled and sensationalized week after week.\u00a0For example, a story about a manager\u2019s relationship with a subordinate may circulate for weeks, even though the story is based on speculation and hearsay.<\/em><\/p>\n

6.\u00a0Innocent Queries:<\/strong>\u00a0\u201cJust asking\u2026\u201d but they\u2019re often digging for more information.\u00a0For instance, a boss might ask an employee about a rumor they heard, even though they have no evidence or proof to back it up.<\/em><\/p>\n

7.\u00a0Selective Storytelling:<\/strong>\u00a0Bits of stories told,\u00a0others\u00a0omitted.\u00a0For example, an employee might tell a story about a colleague\u2019s success but not mention that the employee had to put in extra work or put in more hours than others.<\/em><\/p>\n

8.\u00a0Validation Seekers:<\/strong>\u00a0Those who\u00a0seek\u00a0validation by sharing \u2018exclusive\u2019 stories.\u00a0For example, an employee might tell a story about how their boss treated them better than their peers, without providing any evidence to support the claim.<\/em><\/p>\n

9.\u00a0Unexpected Allies:<\/strong>\u00a0Bonds formed\u00a0not of\u00a0mutual\u00a0values, but shared\u00a0gossip subjects.\u00a0For example, two employees who have never met before might bond over their dislike of a colleague, without sharing<\/em>\u00a0common values.<\/em><\/p>\n

10.\u00a0Stunted Growth:<\/strong>\u00a0The absence of personal and professional growth. Days are filled with\u00a0tales,\u00a0not tasks.\u00a0For instance, two team members might spend hours discussing the latest gossip, instead of discussing ways to improve their work or the company.<\/em><\/p>\n

The average person spends 52 minutes a day gossiping.<\/strong>..<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>\u2013 Psychology<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

10 Things I Experienced While Cultivating a Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) and Practicing Stoicism Amidst Gossip:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cOne who gossips usually carries boredom in one hand and bitterness in the other.\u201d \u2013 Suzy Kassem<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

1.\u00a0I tuned out the gossip<\/strong><\/em>:<\/strong>\u00a0Amidst the chatter, I honed my ability to focus on my work and drown out workplace gossip.\u00a0For example, when a negative comment was whispered about a colleague, I politely smiled and continued my work, rather than engaging in the conversation.<\/em><\/p>\n

2.\u00a0I cultivate resilience<\/strong><\/em>:\u00a0<\/strong>Stoicism became my guiding philosophy, helping me navigate workplace drama without\u00a0affecting\u00a0my inner peace.\u00a0For example, when a colleague was spreading rumors about me, I took it as an opportunity to practice self-compassion and remind myself that I could only control my own actions.<\/em><\/p>\n

3.\u00a0I practice empathy<\/strong><\/em>:<\/strong>\u00a0I learned to understand that\u00a0gossipers\u00a0often do so out of insecurity or boredom, which helped me respond with compassion.\u00a0For example, I was able to recognize that the gossiper had likely been feeling jealous of my accomplishments and was trying to make me feel bad.<\/em><\/p>\n

4.\u00a0I embrace self-improvement<\/strong><\/em>:<\/strong>\u00a0During lunch breaks, I invested\u00a0time reading\u00a0self-help books and listening to motivational podcasts, gradually developing a positive mental attitude.\u00a0For example, I focused on the positive aspects of any situation and practiced gratitude, which enabled me to have a more optimistic outlook on life.<\/em><\/p>\n

5.\u00a0I became a beacon of positivity<\/strong><\/em>:<\/strong>\u00a0My upbeat outlook\u00a0influenced\u00a0those around me, as I shared words of encouragement and kindness.\u00a0For example, I actively listened to people when they needed to talk and gave them advice to help them work through their problems.<\/em><\/p>\n

6.\u00a0I learned to choose my battles<\/strong><\/em>:<\/strong>\u00a0Stoicism taught me\u00a0to pick\u00a0my battles wisely, focusing my energy on meaningful pursuits rather than futile arguments.\u00a0For example, instead of getting angry when I disagree with someone, I try to listen to their point of view and respond in a way that is respectful and open.<\/em><\/p>\n

7.\u00a0I find solace in nature<\/strong><\/em>:<\/strong>\u00a0During small breaks, I\u2019d take short walks up and down the staircase or\u00a0step\u00a0out just right out of the building, reconnecting with the outdoors and nature.\u00a0For instance,\u00a0<\/em>I often appreciate the beauty of the sky and the sun or the sound of birds chirping.<\/em><\/p>\n

8.\u00a0I practice gratitu<\/i>de<\/em>:<\/strong>\u00a0Each day, I either write down three things I am grateful for or recite in my mind three to five\u00a0things\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0thankful\u00a0for, which helps shift my focus away from negativity.\u00a0For example, I am grateful for my health<\/em>, mind, family,\u00a0and job.<\/em><\/p>\n

9.\u00a0I became a source of advice<\/strong><\/em>:<\/strong>\u00a0Colleagues\u00a0sought\u00a0my counsel, as my positive mindset and stoic approach became evident in my actions.\u00a0For instance, I was able to help a coworker who was feeling overwhelmed with work and provide them with advice on how to prioritize and manage their workload.<\/em><\/p>\n

10.\u00a0I set ambitious goals<\/strong><\/em>:<\/strong>\u00a0Through PMA and Stoicism, I crafted a vision for my future, determined to rise above workplace chatter and inspire others to do the same.\u00a0As an example, I have set a goal to build\u00a0<\/em>PMA Science\u00a0<\/a>University from the ground up by combining Stoicism, PMA, and Psychology as well as writing self-development books and poems that would promote personal development.<\/em><\/p>\n

10 Things I Discovered While Mingling with Achievers:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThe more you know who you are, and what you want, the less you let things upset you.\u201d \u2013 Stephanie Perkins<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

1.\u00a0A culture of growth<\/strong><\/em>:<\/strong>\u00a0Among achievers, I found a culture of continuous learning and personal development.\u00a0For instance, they would often read books, attend seminars, and take courses to stay up to date on the latest trends and technologies.<\/em><\/p>\n

2.\u00a0Shared knowledge<\/strong><\/em>:<\/strong>\u00a0Conversations\u00a0revolve\u00a0around insightful articles, books, and innovative ideas,\u00a0fostering intellectual stimulation.\u00a0\u00a0For instance, I was once invited to get together with people who run businesses and are actively involved in the community as part of a social gathering.\u00a0<\/em>I stayed for an additional hour due to the topics we discussed were so interesting and we had engaging conversations.<\/em><\/p>\n

3.\u00a0Entrepreneurial spirit<\/strong><\/em>:<\/strong>\u00a0I haven\u2019t been surrounded by entrepreneurial minds, though\u00a0by reading books and building\u00a0my own business, and at times I get to engage with others who run their own businesses and those spark my\u00a0business aspirations.\u00a0For example, I recently connected and chatted with a successful entrepreneur who owns her own business and was able to gain valuable insights into how she got started and what challenges she faced in her journey to success.<\/em><\/p>\n

4.\u00a0Creativity\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>Blossoms:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>The walls of the person who introduced me to acrylic painting were adorned with paintings, a testimony to her dedication to artistic pursuits while working hard at her common job.\u00a0For instance, she painted a series of abstract landscapes that were vibrant and colorful, expressing her emotions through her art.<\/em><\/p>\n

5.\u00a0Inspiring conversations<\/strong><\/em>:<\/strong>\u00a0From time to time, I meet enthusiastic people\u00a0whose\u00a0ideas flow freely, the discussions\u00a0are rich, and the energy is contagious.\u00a0For example, I recently met a software engineer who shared his idea of creating a platform to connect professionals to job opportunities, and I was able to draw from my past experiences to provide helpful advice.<\/em><\/p>\n

6.\u00a0Networking opportunities<\/strong><\/em>:<\/strong>\u00a0Through these connections, I discovered opportunities for collaboration and growth.\u00a0For instance, I was able to connect with a serial entrepreneur who gave me valuable insight into the startup community.<\/em><\/p>\n

7.\u00a0Mentorship<\/strong><\/em>:<\/strong>\u00a0Achievers often share\u00a0their wisdom and guide others on their\u00a0success path.\u00a0I haven\u2019t met in person the mentors I\u2019d like to mingle with, though I read lots of books\u00a0by\u00a0great minds.\u00a0For example, I recently read The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, which has inspired me to become a better leader and mentor to others.<\/em><\/p>\n

8.\u00a0A sense of purpose<\/strong><\/em>:<\/strong>\u00a0Everyone\u00a0seems\u00a0driven by a deep sense of purpose and passion.\u00a0For example, Bill Gates founded Microsoft with the mission to empower everyone on the planet, while Elon Musk founded Tesla with the mission to save the planet with sustainable energy.<\/em><\/p>\n

9.\u00a0Constructive feedback<\/strong><\/em>:<\/strong>\u00a0I\u00a0gained\u00a0valuable feedback on my projects,\u00a0refining\u00a0my skills.\u00a0For example, I received critiques on my presentations on how to improve<\/em>\u00a0my marketing skills.\u00a0In addition, I received feedback that I should write more blogs and books to motivate teenagers on the topics of self-development, stoicism, and psychology.<\/em><\/p>\n

10.\u00a0A vision realized<\/strong><\/em>:<\/strong>\u00a0Surrounded by these achievers, my own vision\u00a0crystallized,\u00a0fueled by their success stories.\u00a0For instance, I gained an understanding of how to take my ideas and turn them into tangible products, as well as the importance of networking with the right people.<\/em><\/p>\n

In the end, my journey\u00a0from gossip to achievers has been transformational.\u00a0I\u2019ve evolved from a common worker burdened by negativity to a beacon of positivity and purpose. Armed with a positive mental attitude\u00a0and stoicism,\u00a0I\u2019ve risen above the chatter and honed my focus on growth.<\/p>\n

Mingling with those who relentlessly pursue their dreams has ignited my own passions and aspirations. I\u2019ve learned that failures are not roadblocks but stepping stones toward success. Today, I\u2019m not just chasing my\u00a0vision;\u00a0I\u2019m combining every setback into a catalyst for growth.<\/p>\n

As I continue on this path, I\u00a0strive to\u00a0achieve my dreams but\u00a0also inspire\u00a0others to do the same. With PMA, stoicism, and the company of achievers as my allies, I\u2019m determined to leave a legacy of resilience, innovation, and unwavering belief in the power of positive transformation.<\/p>\n

My hope is that this short article will be helpful to you in finding ways and ideas regarding how to turn your own obstacles into stepping stones in the direction of your mental growth.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0best\u00a0way for you to share your wisdom with others is to share your stories\u00a0here\u00a0so that\u00a0other people\u00a0can learn from your experiences.<\/p>\n

\u201cObstacles cannot crush me.\u00a0<\/em>Every obstacle yields to stern resolve.<\/em>\u00a0He who is fixed\u00a0<\/em>to<\/em>\u00a0a star does not change his mind.\u201d \u2013 Leonardo da Vinci<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Cheers,<\/p>\n

Jay Pacheco<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Through\u00a0 Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) and Stoicism, gossip can be turned into self-growth.\u00a0For example, when you find yourself in a gossip situation, rather than engaging in gossip, you could ask yourself what you can learn about the situation and use it as an opportunity to grow. \u201cThe greatest revenge is massive success.\u201d \u2013 Les Brown […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7107,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18,22],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7106","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog-pma-science","category-stoicism"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/pmascience.com\/jaypacheco\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/JP.webp","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pmascience.com\/jaypacheco\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7106","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pmascience.com\/jaypacheco\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pmascience.com\/jaypacheco\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pmascience.com\/jaypacheco\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pmascience.com\/jaypacheco\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7106"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/pmascience.com\/jaypacheco\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7106\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pmascience.com\/jaypacheco\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7107"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pmascience.com\/jaypacheco\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7106"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pmascience.com\/jaypacheco\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7106"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pmascience.com\/jaypacheco\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7106"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}