11

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”

 — Jim Rohn

Yikes! It might be time to find some new friends.

Seriously, you are influenced by the people with whom you spend the bulk of your time. Who are those people? Think through a typical week in your life. Who do you hang out with most? Is it your family, people at work, or members of a church group, a book club, a hiking group? Who are your closest friends? Who do you go to for advice?

Some people respond to this statement with a feeling of helplessness. They didn’t choose their five people. They’re stuck with the group they have due to circumstances beyond their control. That is completely untrue. You cannot cry victim here. You have every right to choose the people around you. The controls are in your hands and no one else’s.

Seek out people you admire, and spend time with them. Do you have an elderly relative who holds a wealth of information about your heritage? Why not sit at her feet and let her tell you about your family? Is there someone at work you really admire? Sit down with them in the lunchroom and start a conversation.

Your assignment today is to take a critical look at the five people you spend the most time with. Are they individuals who inspire you? Do they make you laugh, or do they bring you down? Do they belittle you, or do they encourage you? Do they nurture you and allow you to grow, or do they squash your dreams every chance they get? You are influenced both positively and negatively by people around you. It is time to choose your friends wisely.

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