ou are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” — Jim Rohn
Have you ever noticed how your mood and energy seem to shift depending on the people you’re around or the environment you find yourself in? You might have experienced days when you were surrounded by positive, supportive individuals, and you felt motivated and upbeat. On the other hand, you’ve probably also experienced situations where negative or toxic energy drained your enthusiasm and made you feel down.
The people and environments we interact with have a profound influence on our mindset, attitudes, and overall well-being. Whether you realize it or not, they can either lift you up or bring you down. This is why it’s essential to surround yourself with positivity—a practice that can help foster a positive attitude, promote mental health, and enable you to thrive in your personal and professional life.
In this blog, we will explore the importance of surrounding yourself with positive influences and provide actionable steps on how a common person can create a supportive environment that nurtures happiness, success, and peace. With real-life examples, we will see how this habit has transformed the lives of many individuals.
1. The Power of People: Why Relationships Matter
The people you surround yourself with play a critical role in shaping your attitude and outlook on life. Humans are inherently social creatures, and we naturally absorb the energy of those around us. The individuals you engage with—whether family members, friends, colleagues, or mentors—affect your thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Negative, toxic relationships can drain your energy, while positive, supportive relationships can uplift and empower you.
The Influence of Positive People
Positive individuals possess qualities like optimism, kindness, encouragement, and empathy. They inspire others by focusing on solutions rather than problems. Being around these people encourages you to see the world with a hopeful and constructive mindset. When faced with challenges, positive people will motivate you to keep going, reminding you that setbacks are temporary and that you can always learn and grow from your experiences.
Real-life Example: Steve Jobs and His Inner Circle
Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, understood the immense value of surrounding himself with a supportive and talented team. He handpicked individuals who shared his vision, passion, and belief in innovation. Jobs surrounded himself with people who were not afraid to push boundaries and question the status quo. This positive, high-energy group was instrumental in creating Apple’s groundbreaking products and shaping its culture of creativity and excellence.
Jobs famously said:
“It’s not the people who are right that change the world. It’s the people who are willing to stand up and say, ‘I’m going to make a difference,’ that change the world.”
By surrounding himself with people who shared his values and drive, Jobs created an environment of growth, success, and inspiration.
💡 How You Can Apply This
✔️ Identify the people who uplift, encourage, and inspire you. These are the individuals you want to spend more time with.
✔️ Build relationships with people who share your interests, values, and goals. Engage with mentors and positive peers who can support your growth.
✔️ Limit time spent with individuals who drain your energy or encourage negativity. This doesn’t mean cutting people off, but setting boundaries for your emotional well-being.
2. The Influence of Environment: Creating a Positive Space
Your physical environment—the space you live and work in—also plays a huge role in cultivating positivity. A clean, organized, and inspiring space can enhance your focus, productivity, and mood. On the other hand, a cluttered or negative environment can have the opposite effect, creating stress, distraction, and a sense of being overwhelmed.
The Power of a Positive Environment
Creating an environment that nurtures your well-being is an essential step in fostering a positive mindset. Whether it’s your home, office, or school, your environment should reflect your values and support your goals. Small changes, such as adding plants to your space, decluttering your desk, or surrounding yourself with things that inspire you, can significantly improve your mood and productivity.
Real-life Example: Marie Kondo’s Decluttering Method
Marie Kondo, the world-renowned organizing consultant, promotes the idea that a tidy, well-organized space leads to a peaceful mind. Through her book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, Kondo introduced a method called the KonMari Method, which involves decluttering and keeping only the items that “spark joy.”
Kondo’s approach emphasizes that a clean, organized space is more than just visually pleasing—it can lead to mental clarity and peace. Many people who adopted her method reported feeling more energized and at ease in their homes, which helped them develop a more positive mindset.
💡 How You Can Apply This
✔️ Declutter your space by removing items that don’t serve a purpose or bring joy.
✔️ Organize your surroundings to create a sense of order and calm. Consider creating a dedicated area for relaxation, like a cozy reading nook or a space for meditation.
✔️ Add inspirational decor or personal items that make you feel happy, motivated, and at peace.
3. The Influence of Media and Information: Curating Your Inputs
In the digital age, we are constantly bombarded with information through social media, news outlets, and entertainment. The media you consume can either uplift your spirits or bring you down. To cultivate a positive attitude, it’s essential to be selective about the content you expose yourself to.
Consuming Positive Media
The content you engage with has a powerful impact on your emotions and mindset. Watching negative news or reading distressing stories can make you feel anxious, fearful, or helpless. On the other hand, watching inspiring documentaries, reading motivational books, or listening to uplifting podcasts can boost your mood and help you stay focused on your goals.
Real-life Example: The Impact of Positive Media on Will Smith
Actor Will Smith has been very vocal about the role of positivity in his life. He actively chooses to consume media that uplifts and inspires him. In interviews, he has shared that he avoids negativity and surrounds himself with positive media that motivates him to grow and be his best self. His social media accounts are filled with posts that inspire others to pursue their passions, stay focused, and be grateful.
Will Smith said:
“The only way to deal with this life meaningfully is to find one’s passion and to pursue it relentlessly.”
By controlling the media he consumes and focusing on positive messages, Will Smith has managed to maintain an optimistic outlook, even in the face of challenges.
💡 How You Can Apply This
✔️ Be mindful of the content you consume. Limit exposure to negative news or toxic media.
✔️ Follow social media accounts that inspire and motivate you.
✔️ Listen to podcasts or watch videos that promote personal growth, positivity, and inspiration.
4. The Importance of Self-Awareness: Checking Your Own Energy
While external influences are important, self-awareness is equally critical in creating and maintaining a positive mindset. Check in with yourself regularly: Are you feeling drained by certain people or environments? Are you carrying around negative energy? Understanding your emotional state allows you to make intentional decisions about where to direct your energy.
Real-life Example: Deepak Chopra’s Practice of Mindful Awareness
Deepak Chopra, a well-known author and wellness advocate, teaches the practice of mindful awareness—the ability to be present with your thoughts and emotions without judgment. Chopra advocates for regularly assessing your inner state and making intentional choices to keep your energy aligned with your values and goals.
He encourages people to engage in regular self-reflection and be mindful of their emotional responses to people and situations. By increasing awareness, you can begin to recognize when negativity is creeping in and take steps to protect your energy.
💡 How You Can Apply This
✔️ Practice daily self-reflection by journaling or meditating on your emotional state.
✔️ If you notice negative feelings, take action to shift your mindset. This could include taking a break, engaging in a calming activity, or seeking support from a positive influence.
✔️ Remember that you have the power to choose how you respond to the people and situations around you.
5. Conclusion: Cultivating a Positive Environment and Relationships
Surrounding yourself with positivity is not a one-time effort, but a continual practice of curating your environment, relationships, and media inputs to support your mental well-being. Whether it’s choosing to spend time with uplifting people, creating a peaceful physical space, or controlling the content you consume, every action you take helps to reinforce a positive attitude.
By being mindful of who and what you surround yourself with, you can cultivate an environment that nurtures peace, growth, and success. Remember, positivity doesn’t just happen—it’s a choice you make every day through the people you interact with and the spaces you inhabit. Start today by taking small steps to shape your environment and relationships, and watch how they transform your mindset and your life.
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