Do not make friends with a person given to anger, Or go with a hot-tempered person, Or you will learn his ways And find a snare for yourself.
Proverbs 22:24-25
The power of association is a double-edged sword. God knew this and shared this timeless truth with Solomon. Over time, we pick up the characteristics of the people and circumstances we associate with. As Paul told the Corinthians, “Bad company corrupts good morals.” If you hang around negative, unmotivated people, they will rub off on you. The reverse is also true. If you invest your time developing friends, mentors, and associations of people you aspire to be like, they will rub off on you, too.
Consider making a list of the five people you spend the most time with; these are the people who imprint on you. Now, make a list of the five you wish could be the inner circle of your work world and make a plan to create the relationships. These will be your future.
REFLECT TO CONNECT
- Whose inner circle do you wish you were included in?
- What steps could you take to level up in the area of your associations?
- Is there anyone in your life that it is time to say goodbye to?
Successful people sink or swim based on whom they run with. If you are going to hang out at the water cooler, hang out with winners.
