The Petrelli Factor

In case you're not familiar with Heroes (the first series ends in the UK with a double bill on Wednesday, so it's going to be one of those switch-the-phones-off-and-don't-even-think-of-answering-the-door occasions here), there's a character called Peter Petrelli who finds he automatically takes on the characteristics of those around him – and as most of those around him have special powers, he has some very strange experiences.

The close of this week's episode had him standing right next to a man who spontaneously produces radiation – and, sure enough, Peter's hands began to glow, and he became convinced that he's the person who's about to unleash a nuclear explosion on New York (yes, I know that if you've not been watching it that sounds ridiculous, but in the context of the drama it's believable. Honestly.).

Each episode comes equipped with its own special little behind-the-scenes interviews and snippets, and there was one earlier in the series that really appealed to me. Someone remarked that Peter Petrelli is one of the most important people in the show.

"He's a kind of Everyman," he said. "The audience can identify with him."

I think that's probably quite true... because whether most people realize it or not, everyone has a bit of the Petrelli character within them.

However much you might like the other characters, it's a bit hard to imagine how it feels to walk through solid walls, or melt metal objects when you look at them (though Micah's ability to mend malfunctioning appliances just by touching them could be very useful!), but we all share Peter Petrelli's experience every day.

The truth is that every one of us is unconsciously affected by the behavior and attitudes of those around us – and unless we're aware of what's happening and determined to prevent it, they can really drag us down.

If the person you're talking to is upbeat, with a positive attitude and a lot of energy, it's inspirational – but that's generally not the case. A lot of people seem to see the negative side of everything,.. and to do their best to make sure that's all you can see, as well.

There are even some who do it so regularly (and so effectively!) that your heart sinks at the very sight of them. Your inner mind reminds you of all the miserable things they've said before, and your good mood evaporates before they've said a word.

What can you do about it? Conventional wisdom says you should avoid them, but that's rarely practical. The reason why they've depressed you so many times already is usually because you can't avoid them – they're family members, work colleagues, or someone else you haven't really any choice but interact with.

The only thing that you can do is become mentally stronger than they are. Just as when two pebbles are thrown into a pond at the same time, the ripples from the one that's made the bigger splash will overcome the ripples from the other, you have to make your own positive attitude so strong that nothing can disturb it.

If you stay focused on the things that make you feel good, you can prevent yourself from being affected by anything the other person says.

Make no mistake about it, if someone who's habitually miserable doesn't see the tell-tale signs that they're depressing you, they're unlikely to cheer up and start laughing with you. They're more likely to try still harder to destroy your cheerful mood, or even make you lose your temper.

Don't let them succeed. Letting yourself be provoked is of no help to anyone. It just demotivates you, saps your energy, wrecks your concentration and makes entirely sure you won't achieve a thing all day. It isn't worth it.

The best antidote to the poison of other people's negativity is a powerful sense of purpose. If you can keep your own mind firmly on the things you're planning to achieve, it will be easier to endure the grumbling till you can reasonably get away from it.

If you find this difficult, the audio track you get as part of the Supreme Success package can help you raise your mind above the level of petty irritations and promote a feeling of serenity and calm that will re-energize and motivate you.

You can check it out here.