Itâs the beginning of the new year and this is the time that many of us go into it fired up with new ideas and goals to put into practice.  We have our post-its up, our reminders set, our gym membership purchased, our kitchen stocked with healthy foodsâŠ..doing good? Â
Well, new study shows that only 8% of us that make a NYs resolution will succeed at achieving our goal.  I donât mean to be a downer, however this may be connected to something most of us havenât taken into accountâŠ. Consider this:
"We are the average of the five people we spend the most time with." Jim RohnÂ
So letâs take a look at our environment.  Who do we have around us most? I mean, if we really are the average of the 5 people we surround ourselves with, it makes sense to take a step back and look at who we spend our time and energy with. Whether or not we realize it, these people have a great influence on our life, our growth and success.
Iâm not asking you to intoxicate your environment with judgement, but rather silently critique the peeps around you. Do theses people challenge you? Make you think? Help you to grow and learn? Lift you up, support you and energize you!?
Or do they bring you downâŠ.slow your rollâŠ.infect rather than affect.
Look, we all need our people. We desire to feel we are part of a tribe. We strive to connect with others and feel like we belong.
And for these reasons, we sometimes lose sight of how those we keep near affect our lives. Have you ever met up with a âgood friend"Â and after leaving this meetup you felt totally depleted of energy? Itâs like they sucked you dry - like a vampire. And then you thought, what else could I have done with that time?Â
This doesnât make your friend a bad person, we all have our ups and downs in life. However, if this person, or any other, constantly brings your energy down, itâs probably time to reduce their role in your lifeâŠ.for the time being anyway.
So how do we build a healthy environment?
We begin with ourselves. Lets be real and take a stand for the things we believe in. This is our essence, and our essence will attract our true circles of influence.
Look in the mirror:Â We must first critique ourselves and determine what value we bring to those we encircle. Can we rightfully support and encourage those we wish to see grow? What changes can we make to our daily routines, beliefs and practices that will enhance our ability to encourage others to expand their existence.
Look around:Â Â Consider those we currently surround ourselves with. Â Do they align with our visions and ambitions? Â Do these people desire to grow, awaken to new ideas and make change for the better? Â Do they display the courage to define their purpose and pursue their own personal growth? Â Or do they simply exist one day to the next? Â
Detachment with honor:Â Â If we have people in our circles that do not support or influence our visions and ambitions, we must practice detachment. Â Remember, we can honor the chosen paths of others without investing ourselves in their daily scene. Â
Choose wisely:Â Â Every day presents us the opportunity to connect with those that support and influence our growth. Â Either we know these people already or we have the ability to seek them out. Â Near or far, familiar or famous, these people are friends, family, coaches, and/or mentors. Â Make a list of these people. Â
Connect:Â Now that we have the desired members of our Circles of Influence listed, schedule time to reach out to each person on this list. Â Face to face is ideal. Â For those that reside farther than a coffee shop, FaceTime, Skype, and WhatsApp works great! The objective is:
Give gratitude for the value they bring to our current and future life
Explain how they influence our growth
Share the vision we have for ourselves
Determine how we can support each otherâs goals and visions
Make an agreement to regularly check in, support and hold each other accountable
This is undoubtedly a rewarding excercise.
When we open up to gratitude we open up to growth - thus strengthening our Circles.Â
We would love to hear about your experiences defining/updating your Circles of Influence in the comments below. Â
Together We Grow! Be Well ~
kianamaiart
izzy806
jacobvanloon
snowghoul