Lately I’ve been journaling a lot about the power of community and I’d like to share some of my discoveries with you.
I’ve heard it said in many personal development circles that we become more like the people we surround ourselves with. Some white coats have even done scientific studies on it — turns out it’s true. The good news is we have even more reason to be picky about who we spend time with. Look around you. Ask yourself if these people are going in a direction that you’d like to go. It’s a hard question. Ask it anyway.
Who’s Your Biggest Fan?
I consciously choose to spend time only with people who energize me and support what I do. I don’t have time or energy for Naysayers in my life. As soon as a Naysayer makes herself heard, she’s out of the band. I call these Naysayers “emotional vampires” because they drain my inspiration and energy — my lifeblood — when I’m around them. Naysayers say things like, “That’s impossible.”Or, “You’ll never be able to do that.”Or, “Why bother?”
My response: “See that door? Now walk through it.”
Knowing how susceptible we are to the society we keep, it’s important to choose company wisely. We only want to spend time with supportive people who bring out the best in us. (Exceptions include the required in-laws and co-workers; sometimes we have to just pay our dues.)
Journaling can help you surround yourself with adoring fans and folks supportive of your hopes and dreams. Here are some prompts to get you started:
- Who makes me feel most like myself?
- Who supports what I do? How do they show it?
- Who brings out the best in me? What does that look like?
- Who energizes me?
- Who encourages me to dream big?
- Who am I a fan of? How can I communicate that to them in a supportive, meaningful way?
Take note of how you feel after spending time with a certain person. Write these observations in your journal while they’re still fresh. Do you feel energized and inspired? Or drained and downtrodden? Keep a list of your high-energy friends. Make a conscious effort to spend more time with them and less time hanging out with vampires.
Thanks a million for being a part of my community! I intend to fill you with ongoing inspiration and energy. I’m your biggest fan.
