Our Inner Circle Shapes Our Identity
We are the average of the five people you spend the most time with – Social psychologist Jim Rohn
Our Inner Circle Shapes Our Identity – it is a fact – no matter how much we deny, we are inherently influenced by our environment and our relationships we cultivate. These interactions, conversations, and shared experiences with those closest to us have a significant impact on shaping our thoughts, values, and behaviors. Hence, this quote above is something I live by. Now, tbh, it took me a long, long time to understand and abide by it. In fact, as an almost 40-year-old, my FOMO still, sometimes, gets the better of me …but 90% of the time, I consciously try to follow this rule. And how?
By asking myself these questions:
Who am I around really – do they have positive vibes?
What have they got me thinking after we meet?
How do I react when I am around them?
Am I learning something good from them?
Do I impact my relationships at home, by getting biased after meeting these friends?
And most importantly, I am growing as a person, with them?
The answer to these questions emphasizes how our inner circle can transform not only our day-to-day life, but also our identity. Think of it like this: the people we spend the most time with have a big impact on who we are. When we’re around them, we pick up some of their qualities, beliefs, and habits. The things we talk about, the advice we get, and the way they see the world all affect how we think. These folks also influence how we feel and the choices we make. Basically, the friends we have and the time we spend with them play a really important role in shaping who we are.
In plain words, being successful adults mean being careful about the friends we keep closest. The people we surround ourselves with can influence our success or propel our failure and if we are parents, then can impact the way we raise our children.
