“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Jim Rohn
I’ve been thinking about Jim Rohn’s quote a lot lately. Have you ever had something floating around in your head and then you hear it again and again in different places? The impetus for this blog was casual conversation about the famous Jim Rohn quote. I then heard a podcast a few days later on the subject of what influences us — it was then that I knew I had to write about it.
The reason I think this topic is so important is I have witnessed its application first hand multiple times in my life. After college, my friends were focused on their careers and how to navigate them successfully. I watched my roommate and close friends work long hours, stay late to complete projects and move their way up the corporate ladder. My colleagues were doing the same thing, and were just as dedicated to being successful as I was. These relationships shaped my perception, and I came to believe that this is what everyone my age was doing. Not taking my work seriously didn’t even occur to me because I was surrounding myself with like-minded individuals.
Later in life, when I found myself trying to balance working full time with motherhood, I turned to friends who were more seasoned in this area for guidance. I was mentored by multiple women who talked about finishing work while their kids were asleep and waking up early to squeeze in a workout.
It would have been easier to stick to the excuse of being too busy, which would have allowed me to stay in my frustrated bubble and feel completely right and justified in doing so. However, I knew others had navigated these same challenges successfully, and I needed to figure out how to do that for myself. I had to level up and learn how to be successful again.
Who you choose to spend your time with has a huge impact on your mindset, motivation, and ultimate success — whether or not you realize it. Do your friends encourage you to be a better version of yourself? Does your partner or spouse ask you the hard questions so that you can grow in areas that affect you personally, professionally, or in your health?
When you are looking to achieve growth in business, your personal life, or your skillset – there will be discomfort. Are your friends, colleagues, and family encouraging your growth, or are they hindering it? If your instant reaction to this question is that they hinder – see this as an opportunity. Are there networking groups or organizations you can join for like-minded entrepreneurs and business owners? Are there book clubs you can join to discuss what you’re learning? Don’t wait for influential people to walk into your life, go out and find them!
Here’s to your continued growth and success!
Erin Mathew
Director, Projects and Event Planning
American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.
9444 Balboa Avenue, Suite 300
San Diego, California 92123
Phone: (858) 453-2128
www.aaepa.com
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