Watch The Company You Keep
Friends, colleagues, family, and peers are examples of people in our lives who can have a huge influence on a lot of things we do and become in life. These people can shape who we are now and 10–20 years from now whether we accept it or not. That’s why it’s very important to pay close attention to the people you surround yourself with because these people can either be the reason for your growth or the reason why you’re so far behind in life. Don’t get me wrong your ideologies and self-identity have a huge impact on who you can become as an individual, but the people you surround yourself with play a key part in why as well.
“You Are The Average Of The Five People You Spend Time With” -Jim Rohn
I’m pretty sure most of you have heard this quote from somewhere and it’s very cliche but very true. You have to think about it in this sense, if you hang around people who are all thinking positively and are self-driven in life it’s inevitable for the majority of the friend group to all think and act in the same manner. This sort of situation can be referred to as social contagion. When you’re surrounded by people who present certain behaviors, attitudes, or ideas you will soon consume these things subconsciously. That’s why it’s very important to pick your friends wisely. Unfortunately family isn’t something that we have the opportunity to choose but if these family members cause a detriment to your mental health it’s very important to limit the time you spend with them to the best of your ability. You don’t want to find yourself in a situation where you’re hardwired mentally to be the opposite of the best version of yourself.
Cut People Off Who Don’t Align With Who You Are
Some people find it very hard to cut people off. Rather that be because of how long the friendship/relationship has been, emotional attachment, or even scared of the confrontation that may come behind cutting this person off. If the situation that you’re in is affecting you negatively mentally you have to be able to do what’s best for you. If the relationship isn’t aligned with your beliefs, morals, and values of what a healthy relationship is supposed to be you have to be able to end the relationship. This relationship isn’t doing anything but holding you back from being the best version of yourself. These people may try to guilt trip you, gaslight you, or even manipulate you to stay friends with them but you have to have the willpower to do what’s best for you. Yes, it will hurt temporarily but it will benefit you in the long run when you’re able to surround yourself with others who are aligned with who you are mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
