- StartSmart Insider
- Posts
- Toxic People = Dead Dreams
Toxic People = Dead Dreams
Issue #020 | May 23rd, 2025

Hey Will here…..Welcome to this week’s Insider!
Let me share something that might sting a little... but it's absolutely crucial for your growth and success.
You know those energy vampires in your life? The ones who always have something negative to say about you or your goals?
They're not just annoying - they're literally dream killers.
I've seen it happen countless times: brilliant people with massive potential getting dragged down by the negative Nancys and doubting Davids in their lives.
It's like trying to climb Mount Everest with lead weights strapped to your ankles.
Not fun, not smart, and definitely not necessary.
Think about it for a second... When was the last time a chronically negative person actually built something amazing?
When did a pessimist last change the world? (Spoiler alert: never!)
These folks are like rusty anchors - they've given up on their own dreams, and now they're desperately trying to convince you that yours are "unrealistic" too.
But here's the real kicker - every single minute you spend defending your ambitions to these dream-crushers is a minute you could've spent actually making those dreams happen.
And trust me, that's a trade-off you can't afford to make. Not now, not ever.
But let’s be real, things aren’t always that straightforward!
So, you may be wondering why...?
➡️ Too Comfortable?
An unseen enemy lurks in your success story—not the economy, politics, competition, or background.
People don’t like change, and being comfortable quietly creeps in, stealing your time and mojo!
That sly voice running your brain tells you, “you’re doing just fine,” even when you know you have much more left in the tank.
Why do we tolerate being comfortable?
Because discomfort means we might fail, or worse, we might be seen by others trying and falling short.
But when was the last time you were genuinely uncomfortable? I get it, who wants that?
Have you ever chatted with a friend or coworker and walked away feeling vulnerable yet motivated to improve yourself?
Think about those moments that shaped you to be you.
Were you a bit too relaxed? Or were you nervous, challenged, maybe even intimidated by someone who forced you to see yourself bigger than you ever imagined?
If you’ve been coasting, it’s time to burn the safety net.
Growth and success always come with friction; you're going in circles if you don't feel the grind.
Try this out and see where it takes you. Plug the prompt below into your favorite AI assistant (I prefer Chat GPT 4.1 or Gemini 2.5) and watch the magic!
AI Power Prompt: Go deep—don’t just ask for comfort, ask for the friction:
“Here’s the honest truth: I’m stuck in my own head over [insert challenge], and it’s costing me momentum (and probably money). I want brutal clarity—where am I secretly playing small or avoiding risk? Give me three uncomfortable, high-impact actions I must take this week to break the cycle and force my own growth—no sugar-coating.”
Pro Tip: This is a doozy…Contact someone who challenges you—such as an industry leader, a no-nonsense friend, or a competitor. Ask: “What’s one thing you see I might be missing that is holding me back?”
It may hurt, but it can also liberate you from your comfort zone and get you off your ass to move forward.
➡️ Whose Sitting At Your Table?
Let’s take a moment: What would those in your inner circle say to keep their spot at your table? Would they claim, “I inspire you to live your dream,” or perhaps, “I’m just along for the ride because you asked”?
Imagine a room full of DOERS, not dreamers. BUILDERS, not talkers. LEADERS, not followers. WINNERS, not whiners.
Who in your life truly fits those categories?
Ask yourself this simple question.
Who in your inner circle would text you “Let’s go build something amazing,” and be at your door in ten minutes with coffee and a whiteboard?
You attract what you embody! If you want to surround yourself with winners, you’ve got to embrace that winning spirit yourself!
Start making winner moves—now.
This week, I've added a StartSmart Prompt for you to drop into your AI Assistant tool and watch the magic unfold before you.
This deep-thinking prompt should help you create a roadmap and understand where you are today and where you want to be tomorrow.
This is a fun one, enjoy the ride!
StartSmart AI Super Prompt: Start thinking bigger and playing smarter!
“I’m determined to elevate my game and build a new core inner circle of top-tier people—doers, builders, and leaders who play much higher than my current network.
Here’s my starting point:
My most ambitious goal for the next 12 months: [insert your goal].
The three biggest habits, behaviors, or routines dominate my current week: [describe].
These are three things I’m currently tolerating (even if they’re “good enough” ): [insert here and be brutally honest].
Audit my mindset, habits, and standards. Where am I “good” but not truly excellent? Please show me the specific gaps between my current behavior and what the top 1% performers do differently.
Design a 30-day challenge to uplevel my daily actions, environment, and energy so I’m the kind of person high-achievers want in their circle—think in terms of:
- Daily rituals or commitments
- Conversation upgrades
- The way I hold myself accountable
- How I create and share value
Suggest one immediate, bold action that would make me “unmissable” to the right people.
Push me hard. Don’t let me coast or rationalize mediocrity. Give me both uncomfortable truths and practical steps.”
Pro Tip: Be bold by showing up in places where the winners connect! By commenting on their posts, joining their masterminds, and offering genuine value, you'll really make a difference—no need to linger in the background.
Your unique questions and the positive energy you bring will help you shine!
➡️ No Excuses Please!
Now let’s put aside the last excuse: “But I don’t know where to start.”
Welcome to an exciting time where you can effortlessly create your dream advisory board in just minutes, with AI stepping in as your helpful guide until the real ones join you.
Here are a couple of tools to kickstart your engine.
Think of these tools as supportive training wheels for your new inner circle.
They’ll motivate you, help you stay accountable, and reflect your habits back to you, providing valuable insights along the way.
Mindsera – The Mind Gym: A relentless question-asker and blind spot detector.
Supernormal – Conversation Superpower: Capture, summarize, and learn from every big conversation—no insight left behind.
Think of AI not only as a productivity tool but also as your reliable advisor and encouraging crew chief during your exciting transformation journey.
Pro Tip: Wrap up each week by asking your AI, “What challenges did I shy away from this week that a true winner would have tackled?”
This way, you'll quickly recognize your patterns and be able to tackle them head-on!
➡️ A Little Truth Bomb…..💣
Stop waiting for the perfect invitation to create your success.
If you can't find your dream inner circle, it's time to build it yourself!
After all, you're the captain of this ship, not the cook!
There's no need to get fancy—grab that one person who is crushing it and schedule a weekly call.
Alternatively, start a small DM group with one simple rule: mediocrity isn't welcome here.
And those individuals who make you a bit nervous? Yes, reach out to THEM.
The butterflies in your stomach are your GPS to growth.
Just plant your flag, hold those standards high, and watch how the right people come your way!
It is truly inspiring to see so many talented individuals come together when they recognize someone ready to embrace their full potential.
Remember that the best inner circles aren't just stumbled upon—people like you lovingly create them.
Pro Tip: Reach out with one bold invite today. Invite a respected peer or mentor to a 30-minute jam session. Focus on your ambitious vision rather than appearing needy.
Smarter Investing Starts with Smarter News
Cut through the hype and get the market insights that matter. The Daily Upside delivers clear, actionable financial analysis trusted by over 1 million investors—free, every morning. Whether you’re buying your first ETF or managing a diversified portfolio, this is the edge your inbox has been missing.
➡️ What’s it Costing You?
Here’s a truth we might find hard to face: Time doesn’t stand still for anyone, and our potential won’t just wait around for us.
Every year spent in the company of the “just okay” crowd is a year lost that we can’t reclaim.
Now, picture this: What if you created a circle where you felt like the least knowledgeable, least wealthy, and least experienced person?
Imagine being surrounded by individuals who inspire you to question whether you’re dreaming big enough.
It’s cozy in comfort, but that comfort can quietly stifle our ambitions. Average can spread easily, so let’s make sure we don’t catch that “cold”!
Pro Tip: Write the story you will tell others in a year if you boldly take action and move the needle in your life. Then, write a second story if you don’t.
Read both each morning and choose the story you want to live.
➡️ UpLevel NOW!
Let’s do more than think about it—let's start taking action now:
1. Audit Your Top Five: Take a moment to jot down the names that embody ambition, action, and integrity.
Remember, if you hesitate to ask anyone, deep down, you likely already know the answer!
2. Find the Gap: Who’s missing from your life? Maybe it’s a new player or a coach! Reach out on social media and ask, "Who wants to build momentum this month—no excuses, just action?"
Let’s support each other in making things happen!
3. Upgrade One Relationship: Take a moment to compliment someone whose work you truly admire! Instead of just engaging in simple "networking," ask for a genuine conversation.
Remember, the more nervous you feel before hitting send, the greater the potential for a meaningful breakthrough!
4. Start a Fire: Create a group chat with just one or two other action-takers. Set a goal, meet weekly, and raise the stakes.
Choose a group name that makes you smile—this is YOUR movement.
5. Hold Yourself Accountable: Why not share your challenge on social media or with a close friend? Being open about your journey can really strengthen your resolve.
At the end of each day, take a moment to journal: “Did I move closer to the circle I want to join?” If not, don’t worry! Just think about what your plan for tomorrow will be.
➡️ No Permission Needed!
If you take away just one message from this week, I hope it’s this: Don’t wait for permission, applause, a pat on the back, or a magic invite. Just go for it!
Your future is shaped by the doors you choose to open.
The world isn’t waiting on you.
The winners definitely aren’t waiting on you.
And neither should you.
So what’s it going to be?
Stay in the shallow end, or dive into the deep?
You know the answer. Now make your move.
Remember: Comfort is a cage. Your inner circle is your rocket fuel. Don’t just find the perfect group—build it, and then own it.
Week's Hot Question: What is your BIG play this week that will change the game and propel you to the next level?
If you ever find yourself stuck for ideas, don’t hesitate to reach out to your trusty AI assistant for a little help!
🔥 Want More Magic: Join Our StartSmart Exchange Community Here!
Until then, Think Big, Play Smart, and Build Strong.
To your success,
-Coach Will
Please let me know if you have any comments or require assistance. I read everything; you never know what doors might open from a simple conversation.
DID A FRIEND FORWARD YOU THIS NEWSLETTER?
First, give them a BIG thank you!
Then, subscribe here for your free weekly dose of StartSmart Life Hacks! Until next week, remember: In a world of complicated choices, be the obvious one.
Reply