There are a lot of people who never take responsibility for their own success and always have an excuse for why they “can’t” do something that people much less intelligent do all the time.

In my organizations, I consider them “The Blamers” (although I would never identify or call them that, of course). But I DO recognize them, and choose not to put much time and energy into them because it almost always turns out to be wasted.

People can always find a way to justify their lack of success by placing blame on someone else, what that person did or did not do, or even outside circumstances. They never stop to consider that success in business really is a decision and mindset that comes from within.

I think what Scott means is don’t let others bring you down with them, because they’ll try. The blamers always want to share their story and gain sympathy for how they have been unjustly treated, or wronged. It’s very difficult to change a person’s way of thinking by force, especially when they are incapable of admitting to themselves that EVERYONE makes mistakes, and it’s okay to. Even Al Capone fancied himself a public benefactor, for the joy he brought into people’s lives, and he felt the authorities were unfairly “out to get him” for showing everyone a good time!

That rule could have just as easily read “avoid negativity” and it would have the same meaning to me, but Scott’s wording is more edgy and attention getting… and I’m pretty sure that’s his MO