It is not a coincidence that successful people are surrounded by successful people. It is human nature to develop the traits of those around us. If you are on a team and everyone else is pushing hard to do well you will give more effort than if you were on a losing team that had given up.
Think about those around you whether it is friends or colleagues. Are they projecting the image of what you want to aspire to be? If not, maybe it is time to slowly move away from them and surround yourself with people that will help you grow.
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
~ Proverbs 13:20
Sometimes we blame those around us for us not reaching our potential. We need to take ownership of our future. Do not let someone else’s negativity drag you down. There are two different approached that you need to apply in your life to be successful.
I remember the approach I learned as an athlete growing up. It may give you a short term sense of accomplishment beating someone in your sport on a regular basis. It did not, however, help you develop stronger skills. If you played against someone that was more talented than yourself it would challenge you to push harder towards developing your skills. I continued to increase my skill level as I went up against stronger opponents.
Surround yourself with people that have the traits that you want to develop in yourself. This will help you keep focused on growing. The second approach is a somewhat opposite approach.
Look at those in your life that are pulling you away from where you want to be. If your friends are always presenting a negative view of the circumstances, the tendency is to pick up some of the same traits. If your friends are irresponsible at work and you condone it, you will tend to slide down that path as well.
Be aware of what and who are influencing your life. You have a lot more control over how much they influence you as long as you are aware of your surroundings. What have you done to surround yourself with stronger, more successful people?
