Our Circles

I’ve always thought that we increase our chances of success through hard work, determination, setting goals and striving to achieve them, as well as studying long hours, running more miles, and pushing beyond temporary pain. This mindset has certainly paid dividends throughout my journey. However, as I get older, I’ve realized that our circle of friends and mentors play a major role in our ability to succeed as well.

Our success is dependent on the circle of friends, advisors and mentors that we create. We must surround ourselves with those who make us stronger, give us positive energy, and inspire the confidence we need to reach new heights, and stay fully charged.

There are people who are naturally uplifting and positively charged. I love when a fully motivated person walks into a room and automatically lightens the mood and brings a smile on everyone in it.

On the other hand, there are those who always find a way to be sad, angry or depressed. Have you ever been around someone who sucks the energy from the environment as soon as he or she walks into a room? While I like to believe that I can change their outlook, some just manage to fall back to their natural state of negativity regardless of what we do or say to change their mood.

But Our Circles are not there just to make us feel good. They are their to support and reenforce the areas where we need improvement. If we want to get smarter, we need to proactively shape our circle with smart people. If strength is what we need, then we must find those who infuse us with power and courage. If we want to be happy, then find people who bring you joy.

If one desires to soar to new heights and reach his or her potential, it cannot be fully realized if we allow others to drag us down with their negative energy and outlook. Sometimes we need to increase the distance between us and those who seem to drain us of the positive energy that fill and influence our outlook on life.

Furthermore, we must cultivate the relationships that make up our circles, by meeting routinely and having open and honest conversations. We must strive to listen twice as much as we speak to gain awareness and understanding.

Don’t get me wrong; it’s OK to help others. I feel good when I’m able to change others’ hearts and minds, and help them realize that the glass is half full rather than half empty. Most of my career has been centered around helping others reach their full potential. However, we must understand that we won’t always be successful at changing everyone’s outlook; and that’s OK.

– Shape your circle with positive role models

– Put time and space between you and those who choose to be pessimistic, naysayers, cynical, and defeatist

– Cultivate the relationships within your circle