Navigating Liabilities and Assets in Relationships: My Journey to Self-Reflection

Hey there, friends and fellow seekers of personal growth! Justin Key here, coming at you from the heart of Los Angeles. Today, I want to dive deep into a topic that's not often discussed but is essential for our personal development: liabilities and assets in our relationships.

You see, the concept of liabilities and assets isn't limited to the world of business; it extends to our personal connections as well. Identifying which relationships fall into each category is just the first step. What really matters is how we act upon this knowledge.

One of the most challenging aspects of this journey is acknowledging the need to end or limit relationships that have been a part of our lives for years but have now become liabilities. It's tough. These are the relationships that have shaped us, provided us with countless memories, and held a special place in our hearts. But here's the critical truth: if you continue to hold onto a relationship that's become a liability, it can derail or even destroy the path you're meant to follow.

In today's culture, it's both easy and not-so-easy to cut people out of our lives. The key is discernment. We should never sever ties with someone solely based on our own biases and judgments. It's essential to do it for a healthy purpose, both for ourselves and for the other person involved.

But let's take a different angle on this topic. I recall a therapy series I went through years ago, and I titled it "Holding Up the Mirror to My Own Face." Instead of focusing solely on others, I began turning the spotlight on myself. I started asking questions like, "Who am I not serving?" and "Am I a liability in someone else's life?" I also questioned why I clung to relationships that were toxic but exciting, blinding myself to all the red flags.

These questions shook me to my core. I realized that I needed to make changes, set boundaries, and take corrective actions. While it wasn't always easy, I found my way back to the right path.

After the therapy series concluded, I approached these toxic relationships differently. Instead of just ending them abruptly, I gave them a choice. Unfortunately, nothing changed, and I ended up with the same toxic outcomes. It was then that I had to give myself a stern talking-to: "Justin, you're getting too old for this. Make a decision, take a stand, or else." Yes, I talk to myself quite a bit—healthily, of course. But now, as I'm well into my 30s, I have more to lose, and I'm no longer interested in unnecessary drama, childish actions, or idiotic behaviors. The unfiltered days of my 20s are behind me, and the intentional days of my 30s are in front of me.

So, if we're friends, and you're reading this, and I'm even a tiny liability in your life, I urge you to distance yourself from me. Heck, cut me off completely if that’s what you need. We're all assets to God, but we might not always be assets to each other. Trust me, I'll understand. It's okay. I genuinely want the best for you, and I hope you want the same for me, even if it means stepping away.

I understand that these actions can be easier said than done for some. Personally, I've grown in the areas of sacrifice, self-conviction, and self-correction. Our actions to course correct may upset people and make some angry, but self-destructive behavior cannot be allowed to win. If you tend to take things personally, take a step back. Don't make yourself the center of someone else's growth journey. It may be difficult to hear that your presence doesn't serve someone you love, but it's far worse to realize that you're hindering their growth.

As I write this out to hold myself accountable, I hope it brings some enlightenment to you as well. Remember, growth can be uncomfortable, but not growing is even more detrimental. Let's take the brave steps needed to become the best versions of ourselves, and in doing so, we'll build stronger, healthier, and more fulfilling relationships along the way.

P.s. For example, this still is from Devil Wears Prada. I don't care how the movie ended and who was depicted as what; these friends were the liabilities and the real devils of the film. I've said what I said!