Friends Account for Much of Your Success

While at a local coffee shop, I ran across an article by James Altucher, a well-known blogger that has achieved a high level of success. Someone asked him, “What took you the longest in your life to understand?” His response was, “I don’t know if I understand anything in my life. Every day I learn something where I say to myself, “why didn’t I learn that before?”

After some thought, he said “it took me the longest to understand that our ability to survive, to be calm, to even be happy, to possibly be successful, stems entirely from the quality of the people you surround yourself with. Surround yourself with creative, smart, good, honest people and good things will happen.” 

After a few thoughtful moments, I started considering my own “surroundings.” Looking from the outside in, I wondered what does my circle of friends say about me? What do they bring to the table and what do I bring to them? One of my biggest joys has been helping friends succeed.  Looking back at my life, I realize my greatest successes came with the addition of new friends! 

James mentioned numerous examples of famous people that became successful, both in their personal lives and in their careers, who owed much to the quality of people around them. Each of us picks and chooses who those people are within our circles.  Is your circle supportive? Do they challenge you? Are you listening?

He went on to describe a venture where success eluded him and from that circle of friends, there was no synergy – ever.  If your circle is not positively charged, it is time to change your environment.  When people with positive energy are around each other, more energy is created. If you’ve had one bad experience after another, it is time for self-examination.  Learn from it, get over it and move on.  

Inspirational people are rarely aware of their influence, but that’s what friends do for you.  Ideas are traded and nurtured through friendships. If this is missing in your life, improve your surroundings.

Cultivating new relationships outside your present circle means you must do something different. It’s not always easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is.  The rewards have a life-changing effect on your personal life,  your job, your career. Are you ready?

Though I have never met James Altucher, I feel like I have a new friend. He has helped open my eyes.