The power of Association
How many of us recall when we were kids, our mums would encourage us to connect, go play with certain kids and frown on us playing with other kids. Mum was our filter, our selection screen as to who to hang out with. Back then, we never understood Why? Many years down the road we understand what our mum was doing and the impact it could and did have on our future. This topic is very close to us at IXL Incorporated, what we talk about in a segment called Obsessed learning — “follow your mother advise” — Your Associative power (Recall it).
Jim Rohn, mentor to many of the top motivational speakers and Self-Help authors including Tony Robbins speaks about association power and classifies it into three major categories.
Many would have heard, Jim Rohn says, you become an average of the five people you associate with most. The people we spend our time with determine what conversations dominate our attention, and what observations, attitudes, and opinions we repetitively are introduced to. It’s frightening to note, the less than inspired seems to be able to attract more, than the high achievers.
How often have we observed people at work, people at home, part / flexi time employee’s — like minded gets drawn to likeminded. What they do with their time, in most cases the less empowered seems to be the draw cart to the others, as it easier and more comfortable to move downwards than to stretch, unless the empowered is strong willed and powered with strong unfaltering self-discipline to stay empowered rather than be draw down.
Spend your time with a team of high-achievers and you’ll be inspired to stretch for your next accomplishment, be it in your business, finances, or personal agenda. On the converse, hang out with people who are “less than inspired” and you could quickly find yourself stagnant.
Evaluate and shift your associations into 3 categories, and you decide what you would like to do with those disempowering associates.
1. Disassociation
There are some people you might need to break away from completely — these are negative, toxic people who infect you with their bad attitude, and their idle gossips. People with no purpose — just exist. It’s difficult to ignore someone and their negative influences but doing so will put YOU in control of deciding the quality of life you want to have. Then surround yourself with the people who represent and support that vision.
2. Limited Associations
There are some people who you can spend three hours with, but not three days. Others you can spend three minutes with, but not three hours. Decide how much you can “afford” to be influenced, based on how those people represent themselves.
3. Expanded Associations
Whatever area of your life you want to see improvement in, find someone who represents the success you want, the skills you want, the lifestyle you want, and spend more time with those people. Join organizations, clubs, businesses, and health clubs where these people are and make friends. “Always remember you are the sum total of your associative power.”
Decide who of your friends are the best influences and make more time for them; it’s an investment of time that will prove profitable.
Have a wonderful Life………
