In every part of society we see people that will congregate with others that are like-minded.  In a sense, it’s easier for our brains to do that.  Things that are familiar to us tend to lead to the actions we take.  And that is true of those we associate with the most.

In situations where we are flung into a place where people are not what we are used to, eventually people will tend to fit in.  Standing out in a crowd is very hard.  As humans, we want to be liked.  No one really wants to be an outcast, other than those leaning towards sociopathy (as opposed to psychopathy).  Families are part of our association and those that we grew up had a big influence on our behavior.  I know that I have a lot of my mother in me.

Have you ever noticed how, after awhile, we tend to do a lot of the same things as those that surround us?  This happens in almost every single group.  If you’re not aware of it, your subconscious mind takes over.  And you simply will “go with the flow.”

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” -Jim Rohn

Look at who you are surrounding yourself with.  If you’re focused on a goal and you have friends or family members that will tell you, “Let’s go do this instead.  You’ve got to have some fun.”  If they keep insisting, you may eventually give in.  I remember after I stopped drinking alcohol many decades ago and some of my former friends would say, “Come on Bob, don’t be a tea-totterer.”  They would challenge my manhood with statements like that.  I never gave in and eventually let them go as friends.  Many times we will have to do that.  And it will take some courage to do so.

So many times I’ve heard people tell me that they can’t do that to their friends.  So what happens?  They will stay and fall into the same destructive behavior as their friends.  If you’re looking to losing weight, is it a good thing to hang with those that will pressure you into eating unhealthy foods?  And then they will keep at until you do.  They may even try to make you feel guilty.  It is much better to find fitness-minded people that are positive and supportive.

Focus on doing what is best for you and that includes who you are around.  Don’t let their world come into yours.  Find ones that have the values that you want in yours.  And be part of it.

I wish you success in associating with what is right for you.

Bob