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Every parent knows the importance of paying attention to their children’s playmates and friends. Hanging out with good kids increases the odds of good behavior; associating with bad kids generally leads to disappointing conduct. 

We all recognize the incredible power of role models for our children and yet…. we somehow forget to apply this to ourselves as adults.

“We are always and forever influenced by those with whom we associate.” 

– The Traveler’s Gift,  Andy Andrews; 1959-

Pick your friends with care; your life will trend toward those you spend time with: 

  • “Let’s meet at the gym or “Meet me at happy hour.”
  • Do they discuss the latest book they are reading or last night’s sitcom?
  • Is their favorite topic how bad things are at work or how much fun they had at the YMCA fund raiser?
  • Do they talk about articles in ‘People’ or in ‘National Geographic’?

No one should or can be serious or growth-oriented ALL the time, even ‘Saints must Sleep and Priests must Play’ BUT what is the over-arching life theme of your closest associates? Where do your conversations drift? Are they seekers of wisdom? Is personal and professional growth a major goal of their lives? If not, then it will be more difficult for you to be a goal achiever.

Closing Quotes:

“Each of us is in fact what he is almost exclusively by virtue of his imitative-ness.” William James, 1842-1910, philosopher, psychologist

“Guard your associations carefully. Anytime you tolerate mediocrity in your choice of companions, you become more comfortable with mediocrity in your own life.” –  Andy Andrews; 1952-, The Traveler’s Gift

“The most important single influence in the life of a person is another person … who is worthy of emulation.” Paul D. Shafer, 1902-1984