Choose Your Friends Wisely

When I was a kid growing up my mom gave me all sorts of advice. Today I can still hear her saying, Randy choose your friends carefully. Don’t get mixed up with the wrong group.” 

Momma Knows 

Mom knew that children were easily influenced by their peers and that if I ran with the wrong crowd, they’d have a negative influence on my life. Mom’s lesson holds true for children, teens, college students and adults. 

You Circle of Influence

It is well documented that our fundamental beliefs and attitudes are greatly influenced by the people we allow into our lives. If we associate with people that who gossip, we will likely gossip. If we’re around people who swear or use inappropriate language, we’re likely to exhibit the same behavior. 

After 25 years of research Dr. David Mcclelland of Harvard University concluded that the choice of a negative reference group, was in itself enough to condemn a person to failure and under achievement in life. Think about that! Your associations are some of the most powerful factors determining who become and what you accomplish in your life. 

Hangout with the Right People

As an example if you hangout with pessimistic people, who are critical of you, there negative comments will likely impact how you view your abilities and your self-image. Almost 4 years ago I hear Jim Rohn say, “You will become the combined average of the 5 people you hang around the most.” You’ll have their combined attitude, health and income. 

At first I challenged this could be true. Today I know it is undeniably accurate. Recognizing this truth, how do we use it to our advantage? It’s simple, if we want to advance our lives, personally or professionally, we must associate with people who will have a positive influence on our lives. 

Do you play sports? How about board or card games? Do you notice how you step up your game when you play with better players? When we associate with others who have a greater skill set or who have achieved more we are challenged. It brings out the best in us and inspires us to do better.

Observing and modeling someones positive example, will help us reach new heights. We’re not just talking about sports and games here. This applies to everything we do! Surrounding ourselves with optimistic and uplifting people has a direct effect on our demeanor, confidence level and performance. 

Here’s my challenge to you:  Take 10 minutes right now! Think about the people you spend time with on a regular basis. At home, in the work place and in a social context. Who are they? Which ones radiate a positive influence? Which ones transmit a negative influence? If some of your friends exert a negative influence, begin to slowly reduce the amount of time you spend in those relationships. If your family members say negative or discouraging things to you, schedule a time to have a conversation. Help them understand how their statements are damaging and ask them to focus on encouraging you, rather than tearing you down. If your work place is filled with negative people, find a new place to work. 

Life is too short to spend it in a negative environment.

Here’s my final thought: Whether you are consciously aware of it our not everyone you associate with on a regular basis IS influencing your life. the question is, whether they are a good or bad influence.

To Your Success!

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