Someone, somewhere along the line said these words (or something like them): “You become who you surround yourself with.”
I’ve seen this to be true over and over again throughout the years.
I firmly believe that the fastest way to change your thoughts, develop a higher sense of self-confidence and feel valued is to develop relationships with people who will encourage you, raise the bar and help you develop the skill sets you need to get where you want to go.
Good ones that include the attributes described above can lead you to a level of success you never dreamed possible, but bad ones can drag you down faster than a hammer in water. We need to choose wisely (and it is a choice) who we surround ourselves with on a daily basis.
1. Encourage us.
Have you ever spent time with someone who it seems their sole mission is to tear you down? They may do it in a subtle, almost unconscious fashion. Often they do it to make themselves feel better. Their demeanor is sour and their attitude is filled with negativity.
No fun huh?
How about the opposite side of the spectrum? When was the last time you had a relationship with someone, friend, colleague or partner who spent their time building you up?
They find the good in you.
They smile and positively engage you in conversation that is about you and not them.
They strengthen you and lead you to a more powerful life.
Quite simply – they encourage you.
My friends, it is a choice, your choice, who you will spend your time with. The relationship you choose will determine your happiness AND your success.
2. Raise the bar for us.
One of the measures of a good relationship is if the person challenges you. Let me say that a different way: A person who challenges you to be a better you, is a person you want near you as often as possible.
This takes some work for most of us. We often think we have this success thing all figured out. We move about with a sense of pride that leads us to believe we have all the answers.
In the beginning, it isn’t easy to have someone who challenges us to raise the bar and consider more in our life. We often have to get out of our own way long enough to consider what they are saying. We often need to get our pride in check.
It is here that I recommend working with a coach. When we are willing to spend money with someone as they help guide us, we are taking the needed action to move out of our “know it all” self.
That move can have significant positive results on your level of success in your particular endeavor.
Choose to couple yourself with someone who raises the bar and challenges you towards more.
3. Teach us.
Have you thought about the possibility of developing new skill sets – of learning more – of being taught something new?
We must be surrounded with people who know more than we do. They must be a part of what we do with our life and business.
Successful people know that education does not have an expiration date.
When was the last time you put a teacher into your relationship bin? What new thing have you learned lately? Are you willing to stretch your mind to consider more than you already know?
A good teacher – someone who helps you develop new skills sets – should always be a member of your relationship team.
Let me end where I started, with what I believe to be true about our relationships and our success:
I firmly believe that the fastest way to change your thoughts, develop a higher sense of self-confidence and feel valued is to develop relationships with people who will encourage you, raise the bar and help you develop the skill sets you need to get where you want to go.
Our relationship equal our success.
It’s your choice. Choose wisely.
Who challenges you and how? How has the encouragement of a trusted friend changed your level of success. Who was/is your best teacher and why?
Let’s chat.
