Who do you surround yourself with?

I am sure many of us have heard about the importance of the people that we surround ourselves with. About how much the people that we are closest to impact our psychology. It is recommended that we look at the 5 people we are closest to. To examine their behavior, their mindset, the way they live their lives. To ask ourselves, if that is how we want to be, how we want to think, and how we want to live? If it's not, then we should really consider making some changes.

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It's not to say that we need to throw people and relationships away, and sometimes that would almost be impossible to do. What we can do, is get closer, more involved with 5 people who do model the behavior, mindset, and lifestyle we are seeking for ourselves. This still allows other people to be in our lives. The only thing we've done is to move some a little further out from our immediate circle.

Sometimes, when we have lived one way for a long time and are looking to make significant changes, we may look for 'new' people to choose for our top 5. But what if those people just don't exist in our social circle? What then?

This is not an uncommon situation. We are often attracted to what we are, and what we are is often attracted to us. If we want to be different, to effect change, then we may need to also change the social circles we frequent.

Our top 5 would of course ideally be people we can actually interact with on a daily, or frequent basis. A good substitute, if you just don't have access to the type of people you are seeking, is to immerse yourself in the work of teachers, the masters of what you wish to introduce into your life. For example, you could sign up for a class. Not only would you be learning from a teacher of whatever you are interested in, but you might meet and befriend like-minded people there as well. However, if that is not possible you could watch videos from, read books from, listen to talks from teachers and masters who practice what you are looking to practice in your own life. If you do this daily, it will impact your life. Plus, you will learn a lot about whatever it is that you're interested in.

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The key here is to do it daily. Make it a part of your lifestyle. You don't have to spend a ton of time, but spend some time on the things you want more of in your life, every day.

Think about it this way, if you don't know a lot about the things you want more of in your life, how will you be effective? If you don't practice them, how will they ever be a part of your lifestyle?

For example, a person who wants to 'eat more healthy', needs to understand what that means and how to do that. Their very understanding can help them to achieve what they want to do.

We live in an amazing time where we have access to so much. There are such great opportunities out there to immerse ourselves. There are so many free resources. There are even free online communities we can join.

Once you dive in, once you begin learning and practicing, you will encounter many opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals.

Be mindful that whatever you throw your time, energy, and attention into will grow. It's really important to watch where your focus lies. This is especially important when making changes and building new habits. Mindfulness matters. This is why forgiveness is so important. Forgive yourself completely for anything and everything. Give yourself a clean starting point.

The past is the past. You are here now. You can only effect change in the here and now.

Don't stress about the future. Make a plan, figure out what you need to do, and how to do it. Then focus on what you are doing. Worrying about the future will do nothing but render you less effective to help yourself.

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Remember, slow steady daily effort adds up very quickly. Make a plan to do what you need to do daily. Build those habits. Create the lifestyle you want.

Be patient with yourself. Change takes time. Change takes effort. Change is not always easy. Watch your inner dialogue. Don't give yourself a hard time. Instead, encourage yourself. Recognize your efforts.

Once you have an action plan, focus more on intent than outcome. Remember, things take time to learn and perfect. Getting a desired outcome may take practice, patience, and time.

In my own life, I consider the Masters my Mentors. I immerse myself daily in their works and teachings. I keep my social circle very tight and small. I am very aware of where and how I invest my time and energy. It has become increasingly important for me to contribute in a positive way.

This world needs our love, our compassion, and our encouragement. We all have the power to make a difference.

Often that difference comes down to how we choose to live our lives.

It's one of the primary reasons why I write. I have a genuine desire to help others, particularly with the very things I struggled with in my own life.

Sometimes, our struggles can be our greatest teachers.

People have often asked me if I regretted any of the things I went through in life. The answer is always the same. "No." No, because I wouldn't be who I am, without struggle. I would have not learned what I did without it. I wouldn't be able to share what I learned.

-Akiroq Brost

Feel free to ask any questions.

Is there a topic you would like me to write about? If so, drop me a comment below.

Thanks for taking the time to read, and for your support.