If your thoughts are a direct reflection of the thoughts of the people with whom you surround yourself, you have to ask, “What people are feeding my thoughts?”
For a starter, let’s take money and your thoughts about money. Here is a quick self-diagnosis, especially for sales people. Answer these questions:
- Do I make more, same or less money than my parents did at my current age, (adjusted for inflation)?
- Do I make more, same or less money than the people with whom I graduated high school?
- Do I make more, same or less money than the people I spend the most time with in my life?
Chances are that if you make more money than two out of three of those groups, you are relatively satisfied with your earnings. This is true with most life endeavors, consciously or subconsciously we compare ourselves and determine our success based upon the people within our personal reference frame and circle.
Ten years ago, I realized that I was in the top 10% of success of everyone in my personal circle. So I expanded my circle. I found other successful people who were much more successful and added them to my circle. I didn’t get rid of my current circle; I just got a bigger circle. When I did that, my view of the world expanded significantly as to what success looked like. My perspective on philanthropy, education, wealth and influence was much different with broader horizons and great examples to follow.
The winner’s mindset is framed by spending time with those who are where you want to be, not just where you are or have come from. Expand your circle and you will expand your vision.
