Have you ever noticed that people tend to hang out with others just like them? When we were back in high school, there were little cliques everywhere. The jocks, the nerds, the cheerleaders, the “in” crowd, and the druggies. Even if someone wasn't like the group when they first joined, within months of hanging around the group they were picking up the habits of the others.
Jim Rohn, a popular motivational speaker, once said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Look around you. Are the people around you who you want to be like? Have you ever thought about choosing to join a group because they inspire you?
Most leaders have some version of this quote.
The list goes on and on. Nearly every highly successful person has surrounded themselves with other successful individuals. Companies pay many thousands of dollars every month for board members to sit in a room together because they know it is worth investing in having the right people around. Senior-level executives and successful business owners usually are part of several feedback groups and often hire personal coaches like me because they know they need people around them who aren't afraid to challenge and refine their ideas to take them to the next level.
The point is, if you want to improve your life, you need to surround yourself with people who are lifting you up, not dragging you down. Look for people who inspire you, and hang out with them. We pick up good and bad habits and mindsets of those around us. Choose carefully.
About the Author
Don Smith
Happily married with five kids, Smith owns a technology company, is the founder of this site, has served on the board of directors for multiple companies, and loves playing soccer, hiking, and mentoring.
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