The Law of the Garbage Truck

1. Let Garbage Trucks Pass You By: Don't Absorb Negativity

Many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they look for a place to dump it. And if you let them, they’ll dump it on you.

External Negativity. The world is full of people carrying negativity, like garbage trucks looking for a place to unload. These people, often unintentionally, try to dump their frustrations, anger, and disappointments onto others. The key is to recognize these "garbage trucks" and not allow their negativity to affect you. This isn't about ignoring problems, but about choosing not to absorb the negative energy that isn't yours.

Choose Your Response. You have the power to decide how you react to others' negativity. Instead of taking it personally or engaging in their negativity, you can choose to let it pass you by. This involves a conscious effort to not internalize their bad moods or behaviors. It's about maintaining your own emotional well-being by not becoming a receptacle for other people's garbage.

Smile, Wave, and Move On. The core strategy is to acknowledge the negativity without engaging with it. Like a driver letting a car pass, you can smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. This doesn't mean you condone their behavior, but that you choose not to let it derail your day. This approach allows you to stay focused on what's important and maintain your positive energy.

2. Don't Be Your Own Garbage Truck: Release Past and Future Burdens

We must keep our paths clear of unnecessary limitations and not be discouraged by other people’s negative attitudes and actions. And we must not be deterred by our own self-defeating beliefs and behaviors.

Internal Negativity. We often carry our own "garbage" in the form of past hurts, regrets, and anxieties about the future. These negative thoughts and memories can weigh us down and prevent us from moving forward. It's crucial to recognize that we can be our own worst "garbage trucks," dumping negativity on ourselves.

Past and Future Traps. Dwelling on past mistakes or worrying about future uncertainties can trap us in a cycle of negativity. These thoughts can trigger negative emotions and behaviors, making it difficult to live in the present. The key is to acknowledge these thoughts without letting them control you.

Letting Go vs. Passing By. It's not enough to simply "let go" of negative thoughts and memories. Instead, you must let them "pass you by" without engaging with them. This means not analyzing, contemplating, or dwelling on them. By not giving them your energy, you weaken their power over you and free yourself to focus on the present and future.

3. Avoid Becoming a Garbage Truck: Forgive, Don't Dump

Your response to people who dump on you does not have to be vengeful and judgmental. Instead, you can give people a chance, stop baiting them, and be more forgiving.

The Cycle of Negativity. When we are dumped on, it's easy to want to retaliate or seek revenge. However, this only perpetuates the cycle of negativity, turning us into "garbage trucks" ourselves. Instead of reacting with anger or judgment, we must choose a different path.

Real-Time Forgiveness. Forgiveness is not about condoning bad behavior, but about releasing the negative energy that comes from holding onto anger and resentment. It's about choosing to let go of the need for revenge and offering understanding and compassion instead. This "real-time forgiveness" allows you to break the cycle of negativity and move forward.

Don't Bait Others. We often unintentionally bait others into becoming "garbage trucks" by complaining, criticizing, or engaging in negative conversations. By being mindful of our words and actions, we can avoid triggering negativity in others and create a more positive environment. This involves choosing to focus on solutions rather than problems and on the good in others rather than their flaws.

4. Help the Garbage Trucks You Can: Seek the Good in Others

When you look for and focus on the good in people, you help them see what is possible in their lives. You give energy to what is right about them. Your love and attention may be what enables them to change.

The Garbage Truck Communication Rule. While you can't help every "garbage truck" you encounter, you can make a difference in the lives of those you interact with regularly. The key is to look for and acknowledge the good in them, even when they are acting negatively. This involves recognizing that people are not always "garbage trucks" and that they have the potential for positive behavior.

Catch Them at Their Best. When you see someone doing or saying something positive, acknowledge it. This gives energy to their good qualities and helps them see what is possible. Your positive attention can be a powerful catalyst for change, encouraging them to move away from negative behaviors.

Be a Witness. Sometimes, people need someone to stand up for them, especially when they are facing a barrage of negativity. By being a witness and showing support, you can help them feel less alone and more empowered to overcome their challenges. This involves having the courage to speak up for what is right and to stand against injustice.

5. Honor Your No Garbage Trucks! Pledge: Commit to Positive Living

I do not accept garbage in my life. And I do not spread garbage to others. I am not a Garbage Truck!

The Power of a Pledge. Making a conscious commitment to live by The Law of the Garbage Truck is crucial for lasting change. The No Garbage Trucks! Pledge serves as a daily reminder to not accept or spread negativity. It's a personal declaration that you will actively choose a positive path.

Living the Pledge. The pledge is not just words; it's a call to action. It requires a conscious effort to recognize when you are accepting or spreading garbage and to make a different choice. This involves being mindful of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and actively choosing to let negativity pass you by.

A Daily Practice. Honoring your pledge is an ongoing process that requires daily practice. It's about continually reminding yourself that you are not a "garbage truck" and that you have the power to choose how you respond to the world. This commitment will help you stay centered and focused on what matters most.

6. Live in the Gratitude Cycle: Choose Positive Energy

By choosing gratitude, not garbage, you help make the world a better place for everyone.

Two Cycles of Energy. There are two powerful cycles of energy at work in the world: The Garbage Cycle and The Gratitude Cycle. The Garbage Cycle is fueled by negativity, frustration, and anger, while The Gratitude Cycle is fueled by positivity, kindness, and gratitude. You have the power to choose which cycle you participate in.

The Garbage Cycle. When you focus on the negative, you contribute to The Garbage Cycle, which burdens you with the negativity of others. This cycle leaves you feeling pressured, stressed, and self-righteous. It's a downward spiral that perpetuates negativity and prevents you from living your best life.

The Gratitude Cycle. By choosing to focus on the good, express gratitude, and show kindness, you contribute to The Gratitude Cycle. This cycle fills you with positive energy and helps you make the world a better place. It's an upward spiral that promotes happiness, success, and civility.

7. Declare Your No Garbage Trucks! Zone: Protect Your Well-being

When you commit to The Law of the Garbage Truck, you take control of your life.

A Personal Sanctuary. Declaring your life a No Garbage Trucks! Zone is about creating a personal sanctuary where you are free from the influence of negativity. It's a commitment to protect your well-being and to focus on what matters most to you. This zone is not a physical place, but a state of mind and a way of being in the world.

Not a Retreat, but an Approach. Living in a No Garbage Trucks! Zone is not about avoiding the world, but about engaging with it from a place of strength and positivity. It's about choosing to respond to difficult situations with grace and compassion, rather than reacting with anger and judgment. This approach allows you to navigate challenges without being overwhelmed by negativity.

A Commitment to Growth. Living in a No Garbage Trucks! Zone is not about achieving perfection, but about continually striving to become better. It's about acknowledging that you will make mistakes and that you will sometimes act like a "garbage truck," but it's also about committing to learn from those mistakes and to keep moving forward. This commitment to growth will help you live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

8. Work in a No Garbage Trucks! Zone: Promote Positive Environments

When employees offer incredible service, it makes a difference.

Extending the Zone. The principles of The Law of the Garbage Truck apply not only to your personal life but also to your professional life. By creating a No Garbage Trucks! Zone at work, you can improve your relationships with colleagues, customers, and partners and create a more positive and productive environment.

Emotional Contagion. Remember that emotions are contagious. When you bring positive energy to work, you influence others to do the same. Conversely, when you bring negativity, you contribute to a toxic environment. By choosing to work in a No Garbage Trucks! Zone, you can help create a culture of respect, kindness, and collaboration.

Leadership by Example. Leaders have a special responsibility to create a No Garbage Trucks! Zone in their organizations. This involves setting clear expectations for behavior, providing support and training, and holding people accountable for their actions. By leading by example, leaders can inspire their teams to embrace The Law of the Garbage Truck and to create a more positive and productive workplace.

Last updated: April 19, 2025