I have spent hours thinking about and challenging this idea in my mind, but it keeps reproving itself to me over and over. Consider who you spend the most time with, and most likely you are the average of those five friends in all areas of life:
- Belief System
- Philosophy
- Politics
- Hobbies
- Intelligence
- Income and/or Net Worth
This has been a part of my personal philosophy for years. Friends that drain my energy or add no value to my life, I phase out. People that energize me, inspire me, instill peace and joy, I try to spend more time with.
Take a look at your own life. Do you have meaningful conversations about things that matter with the people you spend time with? Does your own code of ethics mesh with your peer group? Do you learn and become better from talking to your friends? Do you have political confrontations with those around you? Do you have FUN with your friends? If you answer any of those questions in the negative, then you should really consider your personal sphere of influence. Life is too short to be surrounded by negativity. Why spend it with people who don’t make you a better person?
