So who do you hang around with?
Does it really matter?
Do you think your circle of relationships?
What is your average?
Many professionals talk about the people they hang out with and the relationships that they are building. No matter how you slice it, you are greatly influenced by those closest to you whether you like it or not. They affect your thinking, your self-esteem, and your decisions in life and career. These people affect your success, your interests, and much more about you than you can ever imagine.
Jim Rohn, who is a personal development expert, said “ You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with, and that means everyone in your life counts.“ So who are the five people that you hang out with the most? I think it’s important that you take some time to reflect and understand that doesn’t always have to be someone physically near you. Part of my five is someone I listen to on a podcast weekly.
According to Harvard researcher Dr. David McClelland, “the people you consistently socialize with effect as much as 95% of your success or failure in life.” Does this grab your attention? So who are the people you are hanging out with? They provide the experiences and relationships that will help you grow and move to the next level in your life. You need to take control of the people who influence you. Do you want to actively build your environment to help you move forward in your life and career?
In the end, your goal is to live a successful and healthy life. Surround yourself with people that you admire and want to emulate. You can accelerate your growth and success by spending time with those people who are already whom you want to become. Learn from others and picture yourself where they are. Act and become the person you want to be.
As you think about the different people that you want to connect with, keep in mind one thing that Kathy Ireland, former model, and business owner, said. “Do you surround yourself with anchors or with engines? In life engines propel us forward, believe in us, and support us. Anchors way everything down. It’s important to stop and ask if you are surrounding yourself with anchors or with engines?” It’s your choice – move forward or be stuck.
It is important to think about your closest friends, associates, colleagues, and those that you read and listen to. It is the sum of the five closest people who influence your career and life that could lead to a very successful and happy outcome or to a dark and dreary result. You have the ability to influence and change what happens. Think about your inner circle and see if you need to add or delete people to increase the effectiveness of your inner circle to achieve a higher level of success and happiness.
