We tend to gravitate towards people who are like us, or people who we aspire to be like. As they old adage goes, birds of a feather flock together.
In a previous post, I talked in depth about how important it is to surround yourself with the right people. The right people can not only be a great support system but can inspire and encourage you to reach your full potential.
Who we choose to spend time with matters. As social beings, we pick up on personality traits, preferences, and mindset of those we spend the most time with. The people we hang out with or call our friends often become reflections of who we are.
Preferences
When you spend a lot of time with people, you become like them. You begin to adopt their likes and dislikes. This can be a really good thing, but it can also be a big distraction. For example, if you want to become someone who focuses on being in shape, it can be helpful to befriend people who like being active, too.
On the other hand, if they don’t prioritize healthy food choices, like to drink excessively and sleep in late, you may find yourself falling into those habits, too.
Mindset
Not only do likes and dislikes, or how you spend your time, get affected by the people you spend the most time with, but also our mindset and how we think, too.
If your friend circle is positive and has a growth mindset, you will begin to be more positive as well. You’ll face challenges with a can-do attitude.
So, make a list of the qualities you value, whether it is positivity, success, perseverance, creativity, integrity, or something else. Then find friends who reflect those qualities.
Ambition
When you surround yourself with friends who have similar goals, you will find it easier to stay disciplined when working on your own goals.
Think of who you want to be and what you want to achieve. If you want to start a successful business, seek out people who have their own businesses and spend time with them. If you want to be healthier, then find people who care about their health. As you hang out with people who are focused on pursuing their goals, you will automatically feel more inspired and energized to work on yours.
On the other hand, if you spend time with someone who is lethargic, makes excuses, and doesn’t take care of themselves, it will be much harder for you to stay focused and committed to your goals.
Surround yourself with people who resonate with your values, goals, and mindset. The people you spend the most time with, whether friends, family, or coworkers, influence you more than you think. So, choose the influence on your life intentionally. Spend time with people who inspire you to be better, and you will find it a lot easier to become that person.