Season of change

"You are a reflection of the people you associate with. If you aren't doing as well as you would like to be doing, you need to take." - Larry Winget

That statement is pretty profound. My parents always told me when I was younger to be aware of who I hang out with when I was younger cause if you hang out with a bad crowd, you'll do bad things or people will think you do bad things too.  Thinking about it, I never associated these same reasons with things that I may want/need as an adult.

Do I hang out with successful people or lazy bums? Financially responsible people or paycheck to paycheck? Smart people or dumb people? Career minded people or people with jobs? (big difference between the two; Boeing is a career, Starbucks is a job) Relationship/Family oriented or Single/Party oriented?

No matter what we think or feel people form an opinion of us initially based on what they see and hear. So if someone sees the group you normally associate with hanging out and taking shots at the bar every night, how are they suppose to know you want to start a family? You're actions surely don't show it, and the people who are with you don't say it either. You say a lot to people without even opening your mouth; the first three being your dress, your body language, and the people that you are with.  All three things you control. All three you can change.

Take a moment next time you're out with your associates ('friends'). When you step away to the bathroom and come back look at your group. If you were a perfect stranger, what would you think of this group? You may find yourself cringing when you do this. It's ok. It's a good thing. It means you've hit a growth spurt and you're ready to move on to the next level in you're live. It's amazing what you can see when you step back and look at something through new eyes.

So now what?, You're asking me. Well, Larry actually gives you an action plan on how 'To Rid Yourself of Stupid People', I prefer Getting Rid of Useless Acquaintances, cause that's what they are, useless. They are contributing anything to make your life better, are they?

Useless Acquaintances:

1. Don't challenge you when you do something dumb/questionable/stupid. They tell you it's fine.
2. Aren't making you a BETTER person, they keeping you stagnant or worse, drag you down. (Crabs in a bucket friends.)
3. Don't contribute anything to your life. They're just there.
   

I've noticed that I'll go through changes with my friends (associates) old ones go, new ones come, the truly good ones, stay. I'm getting ready to start another season of change. It's nothing personal, it's just that time. I'm ok with it, it's just that season again.