Cover Photo by @nataliepedigo on Unsplash
For the most part, it’s not by accident that we succeed or fail.
Over the past few years, I’ve had my shares of successes and failures, both in life and in business.
I am one who believes that my success is due to the people helping me, either directly or indirectly, and my failures are my own fault.
Which leads me to one of my favourite quotes by Jim Rohn. A quote I’ve given much thought to, and I can’t agree more with it:
“You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with.” — Jim Rohn
My success is due to the people I surround myself with. People who help me become a better person, directly or indirectly.
My failures are due to me not surrounding myself with the right people at the right time.
Of course, that’s not the only reason for the outcomes, but it is, from my experience, a very important, if not the most important factor.
A Little Reflection
On Success
Think about a moment in your life that you would qualify as a success.
Who were you spending time with during that time, but most importantly the top 5 you spent the most time with?
For each one of them, think about how they contributed to your success.
Was it their positive energy? Their support? Their direct help? Their advice? Their peer network? Something else?
And now think about another successful chapter of your life and who you were spending the most time with during that time.
Is there anyone that made it to your list twice?
That person is a keeper. If you lost touch with them over the years, why not try to reconnect?
On Failure
Now think about a moment in your life that you would qualify as a failure. Let’s ask ourselves the same first question:
Who were you spending time with during that time, but most importantly the top 5 you spent the most time with?
For each one of them, think about how they contributed to your failure.
Was it their negative energy? Their bad influence? Them taking your time to do counter-productive activities? Their bad advice? Their lack of motivation? Something else?
And now think about another unsuccessful chapter of your life and who you were spending the most time with during that time.
Is there anyone that made it to your list twice?
That person is toxic. If that person is still part of your life. Find ways to spend less time with them. If that person is very toxic, do what you can to cut ties with that person. I know it’s not always easy, but you have to think about your own future sometimes.
Conclusion
It is important — or even crucial — to be aware of who you surround yourself with if you want to lead the life that you have always wanted.
Realize that your success is in large part thanks to people who had a positive impact in your life. Be grateful to them.
Realize that your failure is in large part thanks to people who dragged you down. As much as you can, reduce or cut ties with such people.
You can do this!
Thanks for reading! :)