You Don’t JUST Become Who you are Surrounded By…
You have no doubt heard the quote by motivational speaker Jim Rohn: “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” He went on the say that, “The people you spend the most time with shape who you are.”
To add more significance to this statement, based on the Framingham Heart Study that has spanned over 30 years and studied the breadth of social influence on a variety of aspects, the study concluded that not only are you influenced by the people in your inner circle, you are ALSO influenced by the people in your inner circle’s - inner circle. From obesity and heart health to smoking and many more factors, including the ever elusive “happiness” - our social networks play a major factor.
The study demonstrates the powerful impact of our social networks and how things become not only acceptable but normal amongst friends and family. For example, if your spouse is obese, your likelihood of becoming obese is 37%. If your friend is obese however, your likelihood of becoming obese shoots up to 171% likely.
It’s safe to say we have all experienced the impact of our friends on our lifestyle choices, habits, choice of music, style of dressing & appearance and more, in both good and bad ways. I have seen people change to heavy drinking, hanging out at strip joints, partying, using drugs and more.
Take an honest inventory of your friends and what you are doing with them the majority of the time? Do you drink and gossip every time you’re together? Neither of which feels good. If you notice a downward spiral in how you feel and you and your friends are getting increasingly complacent, unhappy, letting go of health standards… it may be time for you to make some difficult decisions and set some healthy boundaries while you actively seek out and create a new healthier social network.
Look for people talking about ideas, working on progressive projects that get them ahead, people that are reading books and listening to podcasts that grow and expand their minds… those are the people who will influence you positively to grow, encourage your to try new things and even help to improve your feelings of happiness and self worth.
I teach my daughters this concept. My husband and I have experienced it on both fronts (unhealthy and healthy) friends and family, we can’t escape this truism. Fortunately, we play a role in our destiny by consciously choosing a better community tone surrounded by. IF you are committed to living a healthy, happy, successful life… the data proves it’s a non-negotiable!
Personally, my stress levels drastically decreased, my health rapidly increased, my marriage improved exponentially and my business took off - all when I got honest about who I was surrounding myself with, did some necessary editing-out of toxic people, and became super intentional with what I wanted my life to look and feel like and who I allowed in my inner circle.
I feel grateful to be surrounded by the most amazing family and friends I have ever been surrounded by. It’s taken me a solid 53 years to sort through all the toxicity but it is sooo incredibly worth it. I hope sharing this info inspires you and reminds you that where you are currently is NOT you final destination.
Grateful to be on this journey with you! I BELIEVE IN YOU!
Thank you for being here.
Never forget one person can make a difference…. that one person is YOU.
With so much love,
Your friend,
Kim xo
You can check out info on the amazing, enriched community of like minded entrepreneurs I am surrounded by through my work and learn more about my online business:
