Drains and Radiators

Dec 03 2007

Published by Roger at 9:56 pm under Personal Development

An unusual title for a post, I grant you ! However, this is not a post about plumbing.

I like to use the terms drains and radiators in connection with people I know and people I meet. These terms in this context were first use by Tim Melville Ross who was Director General of the Institute of Directors. He was asked the question ‘What was the principal thing you had to learn to become successful ?’ He answered:

Over the years I learnt there are two types of people – the ‘radiators’ and ‘drains’. Radiators give themselves with enthusiasm to any project, whereas drains consume energy with negativity and moaning. Surround yourself with the former and you will succeed. Of course you have to be a radiator yourself.

So, what about you ? Are you a drain or a radiator? Do you moan about things, take the pessimistic point of view, rubbish other people’s ideas, complain about the state of the world / weather / roads / government / bosses etc. and so drain people around you of their energy ? Or are you upbeat, enthusiastic, encouraging, positive and optimistic, radiating energy and inspiration ?

Radiator of energy
Photo by Accordion Chick

What about your family, friends, co-workers ? Which of them are drains and which are radiators ? Unless you’re a committed drain yourself, I’m sure you prefer to spend time with radiators rather than drains.

So, be a radiator. It will help you and it will help those around you.

Thanks for reading.

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9 Responses to “Drains and Radiators”

# Martin Saenzon 03 Dec 2007 at 11:09 pm

I’m a radiator. I never would have thought of myself as saying that. One thing that is interesting is that being a radiator takes work and energy, but is a much happier life.

Nice post.

Let me know if you would like to exchange blogroll links.

Martin
http://www.toolkitforsuccess.com
# Rogeron 04 Dec 2007 at 12:54 pm

Hi Martin
Thanks for your comment on my post. I think that, for me anyway, if I’m generally feeling positive (which is most of the time I’m pleased to say), then I don’t need to put in energy to be a radiator. It’s only when I’m feeling below par that I need to put in some work to radiate. That’s, of course, the best time to shine - when it’s dark !

I really liked your site and I have added it to the blogroll here. If you would add my site to your your blogroll too, that would be great. Thanks
Roger
# Martin Saenzon 05 Dec 2007 at 3:12 am

You’ve been added to my blogroll. Hope that some of my traffic will check out your blog and join wisdom from it.

Martin
# Matt.Kon 06 Dec 2007 at 3:35 pm

Hi,

Nice post.. I’m a radiator too… Just want to have success and prosperous in my life…

http://www.secretsofgettingprosperous.com
# Lisaon 08 Dec 2007 at 5:56 pm

Loved the post. Like everyone else I am a radiator. Like the new analogy. At one time I had a client that was an energy vampire. Up until that point I never realized how other people could effect me. Thanks for sharing.

Lisa
# Rogeron 10 Dec 2007 at 9:13 pm

Hi Lisa
Thanks for your encouragement. Keep radiating !
Roger
# Rogeron 10 Dec 2007 at 9:16 pm

Hi Matt
Thanks for your comment. Wishing you lots of success and prosperity !
Roger
# Life Insurance Lowdown » Blog Archive » Carnival of Life, Happiness and Meaning #28on 21 Dec 2007 at 3:43 pm

[…] presents Drains and Radiators posted at The Happy and Prosperous Blog. Roger says, “I like to use the terms drains and […]
# CG Walterson 24 Dec 2007 at 11:23 pm

Very good article, Roger. Thank you for sharing.
Peace and wonder,
CG

CG Walters’s last blog post..Passion Gone Awry