You may have heard the well-known quote:
“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” – Jim Rohn
Let’s unpack this!
In this simple sentence, Jim Rohn is hitting on a simple, yet profound concept: the people we surround ourselves with actually DO matter.
Although many of us may like to believe that we are fiercely independent, unwavering in our habits or personal convictions…the reality for most of us is, we aren’t nearly as resolute as we like to believe (at least not on our own.)
The community you are surrounding yourself with IS making an impact on you as a person, whether you fully realize it or not.
Let me give you a small example…
Does a close friend or family member have any unique words or phrases they throw around regularly? Have you ever found yourself repeating those words or phrases in other conversations?
I sure have.
My husband is the king of cheesy one-liners. I’m talking phrases that have made me roll my eyes on more than one occasion…that is until I caught myself repeating those goofy phrases myself.
We don’t just absorb the language of others, but we are impacted by their belief systems, habits, values, and behaviors as well. The more time you spend with someone, the more similar to them you are likely to become.
This can be a GREAT thing if the people you surround yourself with on a regular basis are individuals with:
- High integrity
- Good character
- Similar values and belief systems
- Healthy habits
By simply spending time with these individuals, you are more likely to become a better version of yourself. Their “goodness,” for lack of a better term, will rub off on you and over time, you’ll find yourself growing as a person.
Unfortunately, community can also have the opposite effect. If the bulk of your time is spent with people who:
- Regularly engage in unhealthy behaviors
- Struggle to maintain positive life habits
- Lack focus, motivation, or direction
- Gossip, endlessly complain, or trash talk others
There’s a good chance you’ll find yourself sliding backward in your goals, habits, or life objectives. After all, we can only be the “lone ranger” in these things for so long before we lose stamina.
EVERY good and worthwhile pursuit is easier with a buddy!
So, where do we go from here?
Take a moment to evaluate the relationships in your life. Where is your primary source of “community” coming from? Are these relationships helping you become MORE of the person you want to be, or might they be standing in the way of your progress?
If you’re finding yourself in need of a more growth-focused, like-minded community in your life, we’ve got you covered!
Join us in The SandBoxx!
The SandBoxx is a virtual community filled with leaders, healers, and creatives with a desire to learn, grow, and do more for the world together!
If this sounds like your kind of people, I invite you to check out The SandBoxx today!
Article was contributed by: Maria Lees, Team Writer with Sarah Boxx
