The Ugly Side of Being "Green"

Each Earth Day my Inbox is filled with messages from people who want to help me build a greener business. Usually, I'm one of those advocating greenness, but this year I’m taking a different tack.

The ugly side of going green is not something many people talk about. In fact, you may not even realize it's a problem… until it strikes out to hurt you or someone you know. Suddenly you’re left wondering, "Now where did that come from?"

The truth is that going green with your business is one of the worst things you could do. Being green is certain to destroy your relationships and damage any credibility you have. Ultimately, your green business will self-destruct and you’ll be left with nothing but….

Oh wait, you do know I'm talking about jealousy, don't you? That nasty "green-eyed monster" that so likes to wreak havoc with your business and relationships?

That shade of green doesn't look good on anyone.

Jealousy in business is something we all deal with from time to time. Well, I know I do, and I’ve heard rumors that others do too.

It usually begins to boil up when I see someone else doing what I want to do. Only they’re better, faster, stronger, or they're just further ahead in their business development than I am.

I don't think there’s anything wrong with feeling jealous. It's like I tell my kids - feelings aren't bad. It's what you do with your feelings that matters.

You've probably seen people handle jealousy badly. They'll cruelly criticize someone, or say something that was completely uncalled for. Sometimes it's done publicly, other times it’s a stinging email or phone call.

When I find myself feeling jealous of someone, I've "learned to learn" from that feeling. Instead of becoming bitter and resentful, I take a moment to examine myself and my business.

To me, that green feeling as a sign that something in my own business is lacking, and my jealousy becomes a motivation for me to fix whatever's bugging me.

Am I jealous because someone has more clients than I do? All right, what do I need to do to build my own client list?

Is someone a better writer than I am? Maybe I need to look at some ways I can improve my own work.

Does an online friend get more done in a day than I do? It could be time to re-evaluate my priorities so I can reach my own goals.

And here's a little secret I've learned that keeps the green-eyed monster at bay:

When I'm focused on building the best business I can, and being "the best me" I can, I hardly ever feel jealous. Instead, I can honestly celebrate someone else’s success, without a tinge of green.

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Denise Willms is a homeschooling mom of two and owner of WAHM Articles, a directory of articles written for moms, written by moms. Submit your best WAHM Articles at WAHM Articles.com and they'll be read by hundreds of women who are interested in your product or service.

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