We should constantly search for people we can admire and respect—people whose behavior is admirable and can be followed. Think about it. Much of who and what we are now is attributed to people who have influenced us over the years.
You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” – Jim Rohn
“The better you are at surrounding yourself with people of high potential, the greater your chance for success.” – John Maxwell
When we were kids, our idols were cartoons, toys, dolls, and the things that we found interesting, things we enjoyed and revered. Later, our idols evolved and became celebrities, singers, actors, and people in the media.
Today, many of the idols are influencers and social media celebrities. Regardless of our age or circumstances, we are never beyond the reach of influence. The key is to find unique human beings whose personalities and achievements stimulate, fascinate, and inspire us. We must strive to emulate their best qualities to stretch ourselves beyond our comfort zone.
“Great projects are always built from a pattern or blueprint. In this lifetime, there is no greater project than the deliberate development of our own lives.” – Jim Rohn
We all need a blueprint—something or someone to look at and pattern ourselves after.
“Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for ‘is better to be alone than in bad company.”
― George Washington
We are all being influenced by someone. Since this influence will determine to some extent, the direction of our lives, it is far better to choose the people we will permit to influence us than to allow the power of bad influence. Something to highlight here is that it is imperative in today’s world, with social media, to be very careful whom we choose to mirror, follow, and study. Choose the right people, the kind of people you would like your kids to hang out. Choose to follow the kind of people that will constantly inspire you to be great and someone that loves God. A positive and trustworthy influence is key. Find people who possess high moral values and work ethics. Remember, we shouldn’t follow or choose to listen to wealthy individuals for the sake of their wealth. Money blinds many. Do not fall for that.
“Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence. True friendship is a plant of slow growth and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to appellation.” – George Washington
