New Delhi, May 21 -- Mark Twain gives a direct warning about the people we allow into our lives. Some people will hear your goals and respond with doubt, while others may simply criticise you. They may say your plan is not realistic, you are not being futuristic, or that you should not try this. Twain calls these individuals-small people. Their reaction is not truly about you. It comes from their own fear, limits, or insecurity. When they see your ambition, it reminds them of what they have not done or where they lack. To protect themselves, they reduce your dream to make it match their comfort level.

In contrast, great people behave very differently. They do not feel threatened by your goals. Instead, they listen to you with interest, a...