Some of our best lessons come out of painful experiences. Most of my significant life lessons have been painful and have often had something to do with people I trusted, respected, and (stupidly) expected more of.

Darn those expectations!

Over the years I have had people in my life (whom I loved, cared for, and invested lots of emotional energy in) do things that were dishonest, deceitful, hurtful, and even criminal. It usually had something to do with money and/or business. Invariably they would find a reason to resent me, dislike me, be critical of me, steal from me, and to justify whatever it was that they were doing. Apparently it (criticising me) made them feel (or look) better.

I apologise if this sounds self-indulgent or melodramatic, but it's my experience, it's the truth, and there's a point to it all!

I have watched people destroy their life or parts of it, and then get angry, bitter, and resentful towards me because I didn't do enough to help them - or because somehow, their lack of success was my fault. An interesting concept. Couldn't have anything to do with them.

I have had people in my life who would give me a hug, tell me how great I am, and then walk into the next room and run me down to another person. Vipers. I have had people who masqueraded as friends, yet would lie to my face, day in and day out. I have had others who would 'turn it on' for a period of time in order to get close to me because it was advantageous to their career or financial situation to gain my trust, approval, and friendship - and then once they had what they came for (the position, the knowledge, the skills, the pay), the love would stop.

I do not hate any of these people. I don't hate anyone. I don't resent them, wish them harm, or even dislike them. In fact, I hope they prosper; but it won't be with me in their life and it won't be with my help. I'm a good guy, but I'm not an idiot.

I will also say at this point that I have had, and continue to have, a number of amazing people in my life who have always been the real deal: honest, caring, loyal, and loving, even when I'm being an idiot. Unconditional friends. Love that.

When I first went into business I was absolutely naïve about business and some people. On some level, I stupidly assumed that most people would be happy for me to succeed. Personal training centres were non-existent in this country in the late eighties, so it was a brand new, exciting concept. The first three years in business was one lesson after another for me. I didn't expect anyone's help or anything, but I didn't expect what I often got.