Who do you look up to? Who do you hang out with? Are they similar people? We see others that have success and we want to be like them. We read their books, their blogs, and if possible we spend time with them.
But have you ever thought about the type of person you should allow to influence you? The reality is that you will become just like the people you spend the most time with. This is true because they will have the greatest influence in your life.
I am sure you have heard the saying “you can choose your friends but you can’t choose your family”. Its true! You decide who to spend time with.
The people you spend time with influence your thoughts, actions, habits and ultimately your character. (Tweet This)
Here are 8 characteristics you should consider before allowing someone to have an influence in your life:
Integrity.
Are they who they say they are? Integrity is all about being a whole person. A person of integrity recognizes that who they are is more than just what people see. It is who they are even when no one is looking.
Legit.
Allow those that have your best interests at heart to influence you. Some people are just looking to have control over others, but they don’t care about you. Spend time with those that want to see you grow.
Learner.
You might be finished with school, but you are not finished learning. Don’t become stagnate. Become a life-long learner and continue to grow every day.
Forward Movement.
I wouldn’t be happy with being the same in 10 years from now, and I am sure you wouldn’t want that either. There’s no point to get on a ship that isn’t leaving port. Take real, practical steps towards greatness. Don’t allow someone to pull you down, slow you down or hold you down.
Truthful.
Kind like integrity, but this one is more specific to the things they say. Lying is the intent to deceive. Does this person tell the truth? Will they do what they say they will do?
Worthy.
Having influence is an honor and carries responsibility. Think about it this way; I write this blog, hoping to have the honor to influence someone. Make sure you choose someone worthy of your time.
Loyal.
Someone that sticks with those they run with. If they have a family, they keep them on top of the priority list. Do those closest to them have access?
Courage.
Do they have the courage to take the steps towards their dreams? Spend time with the people that have the courage to risk failure in order to see a greater reward.
When it is all said and done: You will become like those you spend the most time with.
If this is true, then we should spend more time with those that we want to be like and less time with those we don’t want to be like.
As you spend time with people they influence your thoughts, actions, habits and ultimately your character.
Allow others to influence you in a way that will allow you to become a better you. Spend time with those that are becoming who you aspire to be.
How do you select the people you will allow to influence you?
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