Who are you hanging out with?
One of the most important things I’ve learned in the last few years is that it’s critical to carefully choose who you hang out with. In real life and online, there are people around you who don’t get you and are ready to bring you down, and there are people who think you’re amazing and will do anything to lift you up.
It’s really important to get yourself around people who will inspire you, support you and lift you up.
Energy and emotions are contagious, so hanging around with negativity or cynicism will affect you if you’re not proactive about protecting yourself (remember the glass jar tip from Door One?).
Sometimes our nearest and dearest are the voices of cynicism because they care about us.
Let’s say for example you want to quit your job to do something you’re more passionate about. You might have friends or family try to discourage you from this because it’s financially risky, so they’ll tell you to stay in the security of the job you’ve got.
In most cases, the naysaying comes from a place of love and care for you. Your friends and family want you to be successful and safe, which is why they’ll tell you to say in the boring job that you hate but which pays well. They’re likely to be projecting their own fears and perhaps even their own regrets about not leaving their own boring jobs.
My point is, even people who love and care about you might not get you. They might not be your best cheerleaders. They might not be the best people to seek advice from.
You can still love them and be around them - I’m not saying you should cut yourself off from people! But I would encourage you to take a look at who you’re spending time with, and notice if there are any gaps that need to be plugged.
Do you have like-minded people to spend time with, people who want the same things you do?
Are you surrounding yourself with people who inspire you and from whom you can learn?
Do you leave social interactions feeling uplifted and even more committed to your own success and wellbeing?
If you notice you have some gaps in your network, I’d love you to come and join my private Facebook Group The Leadership Lounge. My desire is for this to be a vibrant community of leaders and influencers who are learning together and supporting each other. It’s a place for insights and inspiration, for sharing and celebrating, and for together making the impact we desire.
Look forward to seeing you in the Group!
With love,
Ruth