Thanks to Eric Fulton for this writing prompt. Eric is the geo- tracking mastermind of Eric Fulton’s blog. If you haven’t seen his blog yet, check it out!
What outdated belief about yourself might be overdue for deletion?
For me, it’s the notion that I’m a “nice guy.”
There is a distinct difference between being a “nice guy” and being a good guy. I strive to be the latter. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with being nice, “nice” is ordinary. “Nice” is milquetoast. We’ve all heard the cliché that nice guys finish last, and in my experience, it’s because they allow themselves to be stepped on.
The “Nice Guy” Fallacy
As a recovering “nice guy,” I can tell you that my former brethren put up with too much. We assume the best of everyone and get burned in the process. I spent years—fifteen in one chapter and seven in another—acting as the professional “fall guy.” My “nice guy” tendencies were a mask for anxiety; I’d rather carry the weight of a struggling relationship or a financial burden alone than risk the confrontation of the truth.
But “fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.” The fallout of my last relationship didn’t just break my heart; it hardened my resolve. It forced me to retire the “hopeless romantic” in favor of someone more grounded. I’m not “broken” by the past; I’m just no longer willing to sacrifice my peace for a fairytale that doesn’t exist.
The 100% Policy in Action
I prefer to describe myself as a good guy. I am kind, but I no longer let people push me around—not students, not strangers, and certainly not in my personal life. This is the “100% Policy” in action: being assertive and refusing to provide breadcrumbs for those who don’t respect my boundaries. I’m still enjoying getting to know this latest incarnation of myself, and for the first time, I’m choosing Option C: choosing myself.
Today’s post is inspired by the WordPress Daily Prompt. While I’ve taken the topic in my own direction for the Road to 1,000 Days, you can find more responses to today’s prompt HERE.
Thanks for stopping by Rebuilding Rob. Be sure to like 👍, comment, and subscribe below. It’s greatly appreciated! Also, feel free to follow me on social media and check out my recent posts!
- The 100% Policy: Deleting the Nice Guy
- The View from the Timeline: The Power of the Re-View
- The 80s, the Walker, and the Blink of an Eye
- A Quick Saturday “Thank You”
- The Midnight Inspection
AI art created with Google Gemini.
The article “The 100% Policy: Deleting the Nice Guy” first appeared on Rebuilding Rob.
Rebuilding Rob 
Leave a comment