Let’s be honest – nobody likes that guy.
He’s the guy in the gym who tells you that he knows better exercises, or that he can do it better, or that he can lift more than you can. He’s the guy who one-ups you for no reason. He’s also the guy in your office who makes a comment every time anybody eats anything remotely unhealthy. “Eating a donut huh? Let me tell you how many calories and grams of fat are in that. But good for you.” He’s the guy who gives you advice whether you want it or not.
I HATE that guy!
Even though you’re changing your life and making yourself a better person, you’ll still be surrounded by people who aren’t healthy that might not make the same healthy decisions that you do. To that, you have to say “who gives a ****?” As the great T.I. once said, “Live your life.” Of course, he’ll be saying that from jail for the foreseeable future, but that’s not the point. You live your life and let others live theirs. Let them do what they want, and only offer up advice or criticism if they’re looking for it. However, don’t be surprised once you lose 20 lbs and develop a six pack that people start to ask you for a tip or advice. THEN, and ONLY then, can you help them out with tips on how to be healthy.
Don’t be that guy, please I beg you. Don’t be that guy in your office. Don’t be that guy at the gym. Don’t be that guy in your house. I’m not just talking about being healthy either: this can apply to all facets of life. Nobody else cares about how much better you are than them, or how much tougher you have it than they do, or what they’re doing wrong, so don’t tell them! It’s not a competition…unless it is a competition, in which case you should lie your ass off.
Now, there might be instances where intervening is absolutely important, like if somebody is literally killing themselves with unhealthy choices and they need help but refuse to see it. For example, if your friend is going to stick a fork into a socket, maybe you should tell him that he shouldn’t. Now unless it’s this bad, let people do their thing. Nobody likes to be told what to do, especially by a know-it-all. Lead by example and you’ll be far more likely to make a positive impact on the people around you.
-Steve
