"You are the company you keep."
I'm sure this is something you've heard throughout your life and probably wondered what exactly it meant. Not that you didn't understand the meaning per say, but it didn't mean anything to you until you realized the overall effect that an individual can have over your life.
You've probably said to yourself, " Well I'm my own person and the people i'm around don't have an effect on the decisions I make..right?" Wrong, yes you are your own person but the people you surround yourself with are in the position to have a positive or negative influence on your life. Which would you prefer?
A lot of times negative habits that consume your life occur because of the need to fit in. Trying to break bad habits can also become more difficult when the people around you are encouraging this activity on a daily basis. Consuming less alcohol may be more difficult when your friends' version of fun is "turning up" every weekend. Not swearing may be a good idea but can become challenging when your friends are dropping the "F-bomb" every other word.
Always surround yourself with like-minded people. Being encouraged on your road to success may be challenging when you're surrounded by others that may not have the same mindset. Strive to be around good people that are good for you and good for your soul. Keeping the people in your life that support you and bring you up will only encourage growth.
Lastly, be that person that others want to be around. "Attitudes are contagious, is yours worth catching?" Aim to have a vibe so positive that others flock to you because of the energy you exude. You have the power to make a difference in someone's life. Be the attitude you want to be around.
“Surround yourself with those who only lift you higher.”
- Nikki Abraham, The Nucleus