Business By Hormozi #15: The Journey of Chris and Alex: A Lesson in Cutting Out the Noise

In life, we often find ourselves surrounded by judgment—whether it's about our spending habits, our fitness goals, or the people we choose to keep in our lives. This is the story of two friends—Chris and Alex—and how their journeys taught them an important lesson: richer people won’t judge you for saving your money. Fitter people won’t judge you for cutting your calories. Higher status people won’t judge you for cutting bad friends. It’s the people going nowhere who have the most to say because they have nothing to do.

Two Friends, Two Worlds

Chris and Alex had been friends for years, and while they shared many common interests, their lives were very different. Chris had always been financially responsible, living a simple life while saving as much as he could. He was focused on building wealth through smart investments and living below his means. Alex, on the other hand, loved to spend. He was always chasing the next big purchase, be it the latest phone, expensive clothing, or lavish trips.

Similarly, when it came to their fitness, Chris had made a commitment to stay in shape. He watched his diet carefully, made time for exercise, and prioritized his health. Alex, however, was more casual about his approach, indulging in unhealthy food and avoiding workouts when he could.

But perhaps the biggest difference between them was their social circles. Chris had learned over the years that certain relationships were draining his energy and holding him back. He started cutting ties with people who were negative or who didn’t align with his goals. Alex, on the other hand, maintained friendships that often led him down paths of bad habits.

The Criticism That Changed Everything

One evening, the two friends met for dinner at a local restaurant. As they sat down, Alex immediately started commenting on the choices Chris had made.

“Why don’t you buy that new car you’ve been talking about?” Alex asked. “It’s not like you’re poor or anything. You’re saving all this money, but you’re missing out on enjoying life.”

Chris smiled but didn’t engage. He knew Alex didn’t understand the bigger picture.

As the night went on, Alex continued his rants, criticizing Chris for not indulging in expensive meals or cutting calories to stay fit. “You’re obsessed with working out, but it’s not even that important. You should just live a little!” Alex said, shaking his head.

Chris felt the judgment from Alex, but he didn’t let it affect him. Instead, he reflected on a lesson he had learned long ago: people who are going nowhere often have the most to say because they have nothing to do.

A Wake-Up Call: A Change in Perspective

The next day, Chris ran into an old friend, Mark, who had recently achieved financial freedom and had built a successful business. Mark was fit and healthy, with a calm confidence about him.

“Chris, I heard you’ve been working hard on your finances and health,” Mark said with a smile. “I admire your discipline.”

Chris was taken aback, but grateful. “Thanks. I’m trying to focus on long-term goals, but sometimes I get a little criticism from people close to me.”

Mark chuckled. “That’s normal. The richer people are, the more they respect your decision to save. The fitter people are, the more they respect your commitment to your health. The more successful people are, the more they understand when you distance yourself from negative relationships.”

Chris thought about Mark’s words. He realized that the people who mattered, the ones who were truly successful and accomplished, didn’t criticize his choices. They understood the importance of discipline and sacrifices for long-term success.

Taking Control: A New Approach to Life

Inspired by Mark’s wisdom, Chris decided to cut out even more of the noise from his life. He stopped paying attention to the judgment from people who weren’t going anywhere. He focused on his financial growth, his fitness journey, and his relationships with people who supported his goals.

As time went on, Chris saw the results of his hard work. His finances grew, his health improved, and he surrounded himself with higher-status individuals who shared his values. Alex, on the other hand, continued to struggle with his finances and his health, and their friendship slowly began to fade.

Final Thoughts: Embrace Your Journey, Ignore the Noise

Chris’s journey is a powerful reminder that the most valuable people in our lives are the ones who are focused on their own growth. Richer people won’t judge you for saving your money. Fitter people won’t judge you for cutting your calories. Higher status people won’t judge you for cutting bad friends. It’s the people who are stuck, going nowhere, who often have the most to say.

When you focus on your goals and surround yourself with people who lift you up, the judgment of others becomes irrelevant. You have the power to ignore the noise and stay focused on what truly matters.

How do you handle judgment from others? Have you ever had to distance yourself from toxic relationships to pursue your goals? Share your thoughts in the comments below!