Scrape Them Off: Protecting Your Energy from Negativity and Closed Minds

Recently, I found myself in a spirited conversation in one of my social media groups. The topic wasn’t just a matter of opinion but a truth. A verifiable, unshakable, and absolute truth. The kind of truth that, if embraced, could've elevated the person I was trying to help. And yet, despite facts, reason, and good intentions, I hit a wall.

They weren't hearing it, no matter how much I explained or how clear I tried to be. Not because the message was wrong or unclear but because they had already made up their mind. Their version of events, their narrative, was locked in place. And that’s when a wise friend of mine dropped a line that stopped me in my tracks.

“Stop wasting time on people who don’t want to listen. Scrape them off.”

At first, I chuckled. It sounded harsh. But when he explained it further, I got it. He compared negativity and closed-mindedness to barnacles on a boat. Left unchecked, those barnacles can weigh you down, slow your progress, and corrode the very thing that’s meant to carry you forward. And just like a captain maintaining his vessel, a leader must know when it’s time to scrape some things and some people off.

Truth Isn’t Always Welcome

What’s surprising is how much resistance exists in the face of truth, even when it’s delivered with compassion and intended for someone’s benefit. As a radio personality and operations manager, I’ve learned over the years that leadership isn’t just about delivering results, it’s about delivering truth, even when it's uncomfortable. But here’s the catch: not everyone wants to hear it.

Some people don’t want the truth; they want reinforcement of their current beliefs. They want echo chambers, not enlightenment. So when you come along with real data, sound advice, or hard-won experience, it doesn’t matter if it’s true; if it doesn’t align with the narrative they’ve built in their minds, it gets rejected.

It took me time to understand that this isn’t about me. It’s about them. And it’s not a sign to push harder; it’s a sign to let go. Scrape it off.

The Epidemic of Negativity

But it’s not just resistance to truth that’s growing; negativity is also. There are people who seem determined to find fault in everything, even in the most tragic and heartfelt situations.

A story that shook me recently was about a young child, a 2-year-old TikTok star, who tragically died in a car accident. The mother, understandably devastated, took to social media to thank those who had sent prayers and offered support. In her grief, she still found the strength to show gratitude. But instead of kindness, what did some people focus on? The fact that she wore makeup. The fact that she wasn’t crying in the video.

Let that sink in.

A grieving mother expressing appreciation after unimaginable loss became the target of criticism because people wanted to measure her sorrow by their standards. They tried to judge her pain, her appearance, her composure. And that’s when I realized something:

There are people who are so entrenched in negativity that they will always find something wrong. Always.

And the best thing you can do? Scrape them off.

Choose Peace Over Proving a Point

The moment you try to convince someone who's emotionally invested in misunderstanding you, you're already behind. You're draining your energy trying to fill a cup that doesn’t want to be filled. I’m not saying we shouldn’t try to help others grow or offer support where possible, but we must also recognize when it’s no longer productive.

Sometimes peace is more valuable than being right.

As a leader, I've learned this the hard way. In meetings, on calls, and through social media debates, there are moments when you have to recognize the resistance not as a challenge to overcome but as a signal to step back. You can only pour into people who are willing to receive. Those who are not ready will simply waste your time, test your patience, and chip away at your energy.

So, again: Scrape them off.

Keep the Boat Light and Moving

We all carry something as professionals, leaders, and human beings trying to navigate life. But if we’re not careful, we begin to carry what others throw at us. Their attitudes, their resistance, their bitterness, and yes, their barnacles.

Barnacles don’t show up all at once. They attach subtly, quietly, and consistently. And if you don’t regularly assess what’s clinging to your life, your spirit, or your goals, you might find yourself weighed down for no good reason.

The answer? Routine maintenance.

Evaluate your circle.

Reflect on where your energy is going.

Be honest about who’s helping you move forward and holding you back.

You Can’t Fix What Someone Won’t Admit is Broken

One of the hardest pills to swallow in leadership is realizing that you can’t help everyone. Even when you want to. Even when the solution is clear. Even when it’s costing them. If someone is committed to staying stuck, all you can do is offer the truth and walk away if they’re not ready to receive it.

It doesn’t make you heartless.

It makes you wise.

That’s not giving up. That’s prioritizing your mission.

Final Thoughts: Set Your Course, Sail Light.

We live in a world where cynicism is often louder than wisdom. Where truth can be met with hostility. Where a mother grieving her child is told she’s not grieving “the right way.” But amid all of that, you and I have a choice.

We can choose to keep our spirits light.

We can choose to share the truth without clinging to its acceptance.

We can choose to protect our peace from those who want to pull us into their storm.

And above all, we can choose to scrape off what doesn't belong in our journey.

So whether you're in leadership, building a business, creating content, or simply navigating life, remember: you are not required to carry every voice with you. Especially the ones that only speak doubt, judgment, or resistance.

Keep your mission clear. Keep your boat light. And when the barnacles start to show, scrape them off and keep sailing.