What is Your Sum?
By James Patrick
Motivational speaker and author, Jim Rohn, introduced us to the concept that you are the collective sum of the 5 people you are around the most. So, as we enter into the New Year and begin another decade, you’re invited to reflect on your personal and professional inventory. Who do you choose to surround yourself with? Does your sum add up to something that encourages momentum and growth? Are there changes needed? Take a look at the top 5 characteristics to seek out when creating your best average.
Self-Motivated. Someone who is able to light their own “fire” within becomes a leader in their own life. They are driven by passion, purpose and rarely settle. They are a self-starter who does not live within their comfort zone because they know change happens outside of it. Fear is a teacher and the desire is to thrive. The energy of these individuals is contagious and will constantly leave you charged and pumped to get out there and do some crazy things of your own.
Goal Driven. There are those who truly live and those who simply exist. Someone who lives constantly strives to challenge themselves and achieve goals that push them to the next level. They have a thirst for adventure, are willing to try new things and have an ongoing “to do” list that inspires them to jump out of bed each morning because there isn’t a moment to lose. They have vision boards that focus on what they want most, create deadlines to keep them on task and have people to hold them accountable to their actions.
Resilient. Success and failure are necessary. Yet, those who are able to bounce back when “life happens” are able to change their perspective to see the “blessons” in all things. Failure becomes a “successful attempt” because even though things don’t always work out as planned, any steps taken are better than none. Obstacles become seen as opportunities. They find just as much excitement in “falling down” and learn to pick themselves up quicker each time. These individuals know there is always something to gain.
Compassionate. Participating in this human experience requires that we create value in other people’s lives as we create value in our own. It’s about giving and receiving. Without that, true sustainability cannot exist. Someone who lifts others up when they are struggling or have a desire to be more causes a ripple effect that has the ability to create great change. Showing compassion for those who need it most without expectation makes these individuals some of the greatest friends, teachers and mentors.
Vulnerable. Keeping pride and ego in check can be a challenge for some. Yet, those who know they cannot do everything on this journey alone and are willing to ask for support when needed are some of the strongest. Expressing vulnerabilities is not a weakness. It allows others to see that human-ness and reminds us all that we are perfectly imperfect and draws others in. Sometimes, you may even be surprised to find that the key to that next opportunity comes when we are willing to be open enough to ask for it.
At the end of the day, surrounding yourself with individuals who feed your soul creates infinite potential. Your sum becomes a defining piece of your own presence and a big part of what others will associate with you. Let it be positive and empowering. Know you are supported by the best within you and around you saying to yourself, “every day and in every way I am getter better and better.” And so it is.
By James Patrick
Motivational speaker and author, Jim Rohn, introduced us to the concept that you are the collective sum of the 5 people you are around the most. So, as we enter into the New Year and begin another decade, you’re invited to reflect on your personal and professional inventory. Who do you choose to surround yourself with? Does your sum add up to something that encourages momentum and growth? Are there changes needed? Take a look at the top 5 characteristics to seek out when creating your best average.
Self-Motivated. Someone who is able to light their own “fire” within becomes a leader in their own life. They are driven by passion, purpose and rarely settle. They are a self-starter who does not live within their comfort zone because they know change happens outside of it. Fear is a teacher and the desire is to thrive. The energy of these individuals is contagious and will constantly leave you charged and pumped to get out there and do some crazy things of your own.
Goal Driven. There are those who truly live and those who simply exist. Someone who lives constantly strives to challenge themselves and achieve goals that push them to the next level. They have a thirst for adventure, are willing to try new things and have an ongoing “to do” list that inspires them to jump out of bed each morning because there isn’t a moment to lose. They have vision boards that focus on what they want most, create deadlines to keep them on task and have people to hold them accountable to their actions.
Resilient. Success and failure are necessary. Yet, those who are able to bounce back when “life happens” are able to change their perspective to see the “blessons” in all things. Failure becomes a “successful attempt” because even though things don’t always work out as planned, any steps taken are better than none. Obstacles become seen as opportunities. They find just as much excitement in “falling down” and learn to pick themselves up quicker each time. These individuals know there is always something to gain.
Compassionate. Participating in this human experience requires that we create value in other people’s lives as we create value in our own. It’s about giving and receiving. Without that, true sustainability cannot exist. Someone who lifts others up when they are struggling or have a desire to be more causes a ripple effect that has the ability to create great change. Showing compassion for those who need it most without expectation makes these individuals some of the greatest friends, teachers and mentors.
Vulnerable. Keeping pride and ego in check can be a challenge for some. Yet, those who know they cannot do everything on this journey alone and are willing to ask for support when needed are some of the strongest. Expressing vulnerabilities is not a weakness. It allows others to see that human-ness and reminds us all that we are perfectly imperfect and draws others in. Sometimes, you may even be surprised to find that the key to that next opportunity comes when we are willing to be open enough to ask for it.
At the end of the day, surrounding yourself with individuals who feed your soul creates infinite potential. Your sum becomes a defining piece of your own presence and a big part of what others will associate with you. Let it be positive and empowering. Know you are supported by the best within you and around you saying to yourself, “every day and in every way I am getter better and better.” And so it is.
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