“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” ― Jim Rohn
When it comes to relationships, we are greatly influenced, whether we like it or not, by those closest to us. They affect our way of thinking, our self-esteem and our decisions. Therefore, the five people who get most of your time should be put in your innermost circle with purpose, not by accident.
YOUR INTELLECT NEEDS TO BE STIMULATED.
How does a muscle grow? By being placed under stress. How do you learn new information? By putting your knowledge to the test. Many of us strive to be the smartest person in the room on every topic. But if you're always the smartest person, you're not learning as much as you could be. You need to surround yourself with people who are exponentially better in a variety of ways. Small fish in a big pond or big fish in a small pond?
- YOUR OPINION OF YOURSELF MIGHT DRASTICALLY IMPROVE.
Have you ever gotten a compliment from someone you really admire? Although it may sound shallow, the truth is that the opinion of someone you admire is worth more to you than someone you do not. While it is ideal to be closely surrounded by positive, supportive people who want you to succeed, it is also necessary to have in your circle people that can give you constructive feedback and you’re more likely to accept someone’s advice if you admire and respect them.
- YOU MIGHT GAIN A MENTOR OR BECOME ONE.
If you find someone with qualities you hold in high regard who's willing to discuss them and help you develop those qualities on your own, keep them close, and extend your time if the tables are turned; most great relationships are symbiotic, whereby people bring out the best in one another. Alternatively, if you have a friend who tells you she wants to be more open to opportunities or people, like you are, think about what that means and give her your time.
- YOU'LL LIKELY DEVELOP HEALTHIER HABITS.
Are you hanging with people that never workout, eat unhealthy and drinks more than they care to admit? Your health habits are going to be affected by your friend choices. Make time to go to for a run with that friend who's addicted to marathons or agree to a sleep competition with someone who's also getting fewer than six hours each night.
The bottom line is, the people around you matter. You need people who will challenge you and make you better, thereby raising your average or helping you maintain a high one. Do these 5 represent things you value? If they do, you're in great shape; if they aren't representative of things you love and aspire to become, it’s time to re-evaluate.
By: Amanda Dutko, Performance Coach
