Jim Rohn said, You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.
This is true. But what the mighty Rohn didn’t consider is that we spend the most time with ourselves. Our mood, mindset, and internal dialogue continually impact our lives and how we live them.
When you think of the five people you want to spend the most time with, what’s the commonality between them?
To me, they are kind, driven, interesting, and, above all, optimistic.
Optimistic people embody most of the other traits. Optimists are visionaries and great leaders. And I am an optimistic person. That is a choice, and something I work at every day. Just like earning the reputation you desire (brand = reputation) requires daily commitment and optimization, and being the person (and brand) you aspire to be takes effort.
On the flip side, pessimists are my nemesis. I don’t want to be around them; their negativity is draining, toxic, and ugly. What’s worse is if one of your big five is a pessimist. Their energy is rubbing off and into you. You’ll be putting out the same vibe and energy, too. Here’s another decision you need to make: allow them into your village, or chase them away. For me, I say grab the pitchforks and torches, and let’s go.
What is double worse, is if you’re in someone’s big five, and you’re a pessimist. That ain’t good, friend. Pessimism will revolt and repel the best people you have in your world, and keep new great ones away, too.
My challenge to you is to examine what you’re saying on social media, as well as when you’re speaking with colleagues, clients, kin, and chums. What’s the vibe, optimistic or pessimistic?
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