When it comes to navigating life, setting clear boundaries is crucial. It’s not just about protecting your time and energy—it’s about ensuring that the people you surround yourself with are aligned with your values and vision. Over the years, I’ve come to understand that there are certain types of people I simply will not work with. This isn’t about being picky or exclusive or reducing people to a singe dimension. We all have better and worse days. But it’s about maintaining the integrity of my work and ensuring that I can be of the most service to the world.
So, who are these people, and why have I drawn this line?
1. Cowards and Conformists
I will never work with people who lack a moral spine, refuse to think for themselves, and are unwilling to challenge the status quo. These are the people who see unfairness but turn a blind eye because it benefits them or because they don’t want to rock the boat. They shy away from conflict and avoid venturing into uncharted territory, preferring the safety of conformity over the risk of standing up for what’s right.
Why I won’t work with them: Courage and integrity are non-negotiables for me. I need to work with people who are willing to take a stand, even when it’s uncomfortable, and who are committed to making a positive impact. Cowards and conformists are roadblocks to progress, and I won’t waste my energy trying to pull them out of their comfort zones.
2. The Greedy and Egoistic
There’s a special place on my “never work with” list for those who are motivated purely by personal gain. These are the people who have no empathy, compassion, or regard for others. They’re driven by greed and their own ego, willing to step on anyone to get what they want. They see relationships as transactions, and their only interest is in what they can extract from others.
Why I won’t work with them: I believe in a world where we lift each other up, where success is shared, and where compassion is at the heart of everything we do. Greed and ego are antithetical to this vision. These individuals drain the energy from any collaboration and leave no room for genuine connection or growth. I refuse to contribute to their hollow pursuits.
3. The Arrogant and Closed-Minded
You know the type—the “I know it all” crowd who are so convinced of their own brilliance that they don’t even bother to listen to other viewpoints. They’re not curious, they’re not open to learning, and they shut down any idea that doesn’t fit within their narrow perspective.
Why I won’t work with them: Arrogance is the enemy of innovation. If you’re not willing to listen, learn, and consider new ideas, you’re not going to grow, and neither will anyone around you. I thrive on curiosity and collaboration, and I need to work with people who are open-minded and eager to explore new possibilities. The arrogant and closed-minded are stuck in their ways, and I have no interest in trying to break through that wall.
4. The Uninterested and Apathetic
There’s nothing more draining than working with someone who’s only there because they feel they have to be. These are the vibe killers, the energy wasters who need to be dragged along every step of the way. They’re not invested, they’re not passionate, and they’re just going through the motions.
Why I won’t work with them: Enthusiasm is contagious, and so is apathy. I want to work with people who are genuinely excited about what they’re doing, who bring energy and passion to the table. If you’re not interested, you’re not going to contribute anything meaningful, and frankly, I don’t have time to carry dead weight. Life is too short to waste on people who aren’t fully present and engaged.
5. The Misunderstanders and Saboteurs
Finally, I refuse to work with people who are committed to misunderstanding me, proving me wrong, or catching me out. These are the people who get their kicks from bringing others down, who thrive on creating conflict, and who are more interested in tearing others apart than in building anything of value.
Why I won’t work with them: I’m here to create, to connect, and to contribute. I don’t have the patience or the energy to deal with people who are actively trying to undermine me or others. These individuals create an environment of mistrust and negativity. I want to be surrounded by people who are supportive, collaborative, and focused on making a positive impact, not by those who are looking for opportunities to attack.
Navigating Life with Clear Boundaries
I haven’t set these boundaries to be rigid or intolerant – I did it to protect the integrity of my work and ensure that I can be of the most service to the world. By being clear about who I will and won’t work with, I’m making sure that my energy is spent on projects and people who align with my values and who are committed to the same goals.
It’s also about creating an optimal experience, both for myself and for those I choose to work with. When you surround yourself with people who share your vision, and who are courageous, compassionate, curious, and committed, you create an environment where everyone can thrive.
So, here’s my advice to you: don’t be afraid to set your own boundaries. Know who you want to work with (who you want to give your energy to, in general), and who you need to steer clear of. It’s not about being exclusive or feeling better than others – it’s about being intentional. Life is too short to waste on people who don’t support your growth or share your values. Choose your collaborators wisely, and you’ll find that the work you do together is not only more successful but also far more fulfilling.
Ika’s Inklings 