You’re probably familiar with the legal term, “Right of First Refusal,” or you’ve at least heard of it. Simply stated, it’s a contractual right that gives its holder the option to enter a business transaction with the owner of something before the owner is entitled to enter into that transaction with a third party.

Although we recognize its legal application, you also hold this same right in other parts of your life, even though you may not be using it.

How many times, especially lately, have you found yourself engaged in a conversation where the other party is focusing on gloom, doom and other negativity? I don’t know about you, but I don’t have room in my life for that today. It’s a drain, doesn’t solve anything and frankly is an impediment to your success, unless of course your goal is to feel depressed.

Picture yourself on the telephone with someone, or standing at the water cooler and the person you’re speaking with is complaining or lamenting about something. Do you really enjoy that? Well, I don’t. But what do you do about it? I say, Exercise your Right of First Refusal.

When you’re faced with this sort of conversation, you don’t have to accept or perpetuate the negative talk. You really can opt out and refuse it.  When you see it coming, say something like, “I hear you, but I choose to see the good in things and recognize that this too shall pass.”

This strategy may first require you to stop your own negative thoughts and chatter. But in the meantime, exercising your right to refuse negative talk from others will go a long way in improving your peace of mind, and ultimately your success.