SERIES: Your circle.
Week 1 Recap: 1. You were never meant to do life alone. (Don't be an island).
2. Research shows that when you have someone with you, no matter the task or your own ability, your stress level is reduced.
3. Find a monkey, community matters.
This week:
Does who your monkey is have an impact?
Does it matter who you spend most of your time with?
Do the people who make up your circle shape you?
The answer to all of those is yes.
After reading last week's writings, you may have thought that you need to find a monkey. If you already have a monkey, or two, those people most likely came to mind. Either way, it's important to evaluate if the monkeys you have in your life, or are finding for your life, impact you positively or negatively. Next week we will go over what a truly good friend looks like; characteristics of the person you want in your life.
Today I just want to convince you of something simple: your circle matters. Proximity matters. Who you spend your time with matters. Maybe it isn't your monkey, maybe you spend the most time with your co-workers. Whether it is by choice or not, your circle impacts you. This isn't overly complicated, but I'm going to give you a little research to back up those statements. After you're convinced, I'm going to ask you to truly evaluate.
There are so many articles written, quotes, and our own stories that can convince you how important the people you spend time with really are. If I mentioned each one, you would be reading for hours. One of my favorite quotes pertaining to this topic is "You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with" said by Jim Rohn, and we both know that's accurate. Looking at it lightly, do you ever start to say the same remarks as someone you spend a significant amount of time with? I do it regularly. I find myself saying funny phrases or using a different tone of voice than my normal one, because of the way the person I spend time with says it. That is a silly example, but one we can all relate to.
Research shows that most millionaires spend time with productive, managed people. The same can be said about successful people, their circle usually doesn't consist of unmotivated, complacent people.
We see many different spots in the Bible that your circle affects your character. In 1 Corinthians 15:33 it says 'Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”' Although that is a famous proverb, it's not the only time we see the impact of proximity in the Bible.
The disciples all came from different spots in life, none of them ideal. The early church leader, Peter, started as a fisherman. The trade he had done his whole life, surrounded by others like him. We can also look at Matthew, who lived as a tax-collector before meeting Jesus, surrounded by other schemers. When Jesus called these people, they left their current status and circle, to join the circle of Jesus. Once they became followers of Jesus, we read about the constant time they spent with Him. Although there was an immediate change that took place, they grew over time. They spent time with each other, they spent time with Jesus, they spent time with positive influences who challenged them and shaped them. Their circle changed, and their lives along with it. These disciples became known for their love, faith, and leadership, after spending time with the person who is love.
They became who they spent their time with. You will too.
As much as sometimes we hate to admit, the people in our circle change us, hopefully for the better, but maybe for the worse.
I want you to ask yourself today: who is in your circle? Who do you spend the most time with? How do they affect you, positively or negatively? What are your future goals, is your circle contributing to them?
Lastly, how can you change your circle to better support a healthy future?
Grace and Peace,
Evelyn
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