What 2 factors directly influence your level of thinking, your choices, and your actions?
1. The 5 people you spend the most time with.
2. The books you read.
This fascinates me!
Do a quick mental check of who you spend most of your time with. Are they positive? Negative? Ambitious? Full of good humor?
Let’s face it, it’s easy for us to be influenced by our peers, friends, and families.
In fact, a recent weight loss research study indicates exactly this point. Have you ever asked, “Are my friends making me fat?” Research revealed that yes, who we spend the most time with directly influences our choices, our behaviors. This could be good or maybe not. It depends on what your own personal goals are! Yes, indeed, “birds of the same plumage fly together!”
Equally interesting to consider: what we read affects / influences the nature of our own thoughts, ideas, and behaviors. Here are some of my favorite thought-provoking, thought-expanding, favorite books I’ve read this summer:
Eat, Pray, Love – A true story of a woman devastated by her divorce. Depressed and aimless, she takes a year to travel to Italy, India and Indonesia documenting her experience as she rediscovers and redesigns a new life for herself. The book is especially inspiring for those who are at a crossroads in their own life.
Matrix Energetics – I am absolutely fascinated by this book written by Dr. Bartlett, who hails from Seattle and now offers workshops across the country that teach “applications” of quantum physics theory in real life. I have heard from colleagues that these workshops literally transform and elevate your thinking and ability about what is possible. I will be attending the New York workshop in October of this year. Law of Attraction – I recently overheard Oprah interviewing Michael Losier on XMRadio. He calls himself the “Law of Attraction how to make a guy”. Your interview was excellent and prompted me to buy and read your book. I recommend several of the exercises that I have been using with my clients to stay focused and positive about their goals and dreams.
The Secret Behind The Secret by Abraham Hicks – Abraham Hicks has been teaching the LOA for over 20 years and has traveled the country conducting workshops. Abraham Hicks was also in the original version of the film, The Secret, and was recently interviewed by Oprah on XMRadio. Excellent!
E-Myth – I reread this important book on entrepreneurship that talks about how small businesses trigger themselves by not grasping the basic concept that you should work IN your business, not IN your business. I guarantee that this book will change the way you do business and make it better!
A Thousand Splendid Suns: This book, which is fictitious and historically correct, is not an “easy” read, as it exposes the harsh realities of the women of Afghanistan. This book helps bridge the gap in understanding cultural differences.
Be clear.
Be proactive.
Choose people and books that can help you achieve your GOALS and DREAMS. Who you “hang out with” and what you read DOES make a difference in your work and life.
Carpe Diem!
