The Company You Keep

You are the company you keep. Everyone has heard this somewhere at least one time in their life. May not remember where, but I bet $4 you've heard it. ​

You are the average of the 5 people with whom you spend the most time. You know this to be true. You wish it weren't but you know it is. You know that person or group of friends is holding you back from who you know you can be. From what you can accomplish. 

​ Its only natural, as humans evolved and survived based on inclusion in social groups -so of course we want to be like the people who we surround ourselves with. I've found it to be true in my life. In high school I hung out with kids in band and did what the kids in band did. After leaving the marching band,  started hanging out with the kids who partied and drank; so I partied and drank. In college I joined a professional organization and started doing what those kids did - went to class, studied, networked and graduated. 

This social averaging happens slowly. gradually. undetected. It can become a HUGE problem if you're the type of person who has trouble choosing the right kinds of folks to keep in your life. Not only should you be wary of the obvious types of "average droppers" : hard drug users, the violent, and criminally inclined - you also wanna nix those with limiting beliefs, self-doubters, complainers, and the lazy. These average droppers will have just as large an effect on who you are and your potential success. 

First, ask yourself if your five are taking your life in the direction you want it to go. If not take action immediately. Surround yourself with and become one with dreamers, action takers, givers and grow.

What changes have you made in your inner circle? What have you noticed as a result? Start the conversation below! (after your read a book of course)
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“You cannot open a book without learning something.”  ― Confucius