The Power Of Influence And The Company You Keep

There is a popular philosophy that research seems to bare out that states your income and attitude will be the average of the five people you associate with the most. As Anthony Robbins states, “Most people’s lives are a direct reflection of the expectations of their peer group.”

This is not to say you shouldn’t have a wide range of loved ones and friends, but to recognize that you are closely shaped (consciously or unconsciously), by the people you are around. Cliches such as “birds of a feather” became known because they reflect an accurate truth.

So what is the answer? Be sure those you are most influenced by raise you to a higher standard. These don’t have to be personal friends; they can be mentors from books and seminars or a personal coach.

Consider the oft told story of Michael Jordan. It is true he was cut from his high school basketball team. What is less known is the reason why. He had tremendous skill even then; however the coach was not looking solely at his talent. The coach was also looking for a strong work ethic.

Jordan challenged his coach by telling him he was the best player. However the coach told him that while he had natural ability, he had no heart. The coach said that he could play next year, but he had to do one thing first. That one thing was to meet every day at 6:00 AM with his coach until the following season. If he showed he had heart by making each practice, he could play.

Jordan credits those early mornings with much of his success. When he became the best in the world he was asked why people couldn’t compete at his level. The reason, he explained, was that each day he was in competition with the person he knew he could be. Simply put, his standard was far higher than theirs.

So be careful of the company you keep. Raise your standards. And never give up on your dreams, no matter what the critics might say.