“You are the average of the five people with whom you spend the most time with.” –Jim Rohn
In other words, your persona is a reflection of the company you keep. It forms who you are.
We find that company by identifying traits others have that match our story.
Increase the number of shared histories, hobbies, sports teams, and the like, you up the chance for fitting in. It’s a cohort that just feels right.
For example, an East-coaster who played lacrosse in school and grew up as a Navy brat, might feel right at home in Maryland even if they are not from Maryland.
But cohort formations are more than demographic. They can be shared interests. Shared values. Shared investments.
Find a town with a tag line that matches your world view. Like “Keep Austin Weird”. Or “New York City, the City That Never Sleeps.”
Belonging is a destination for when you don’t know where else to go.
While we feel safe at home, we grow from being uncomfortable. We grow from differences in the company we keep.
Pay attention to differences that capture your imagination.
“If you want to advance your career, read everything you can about someone famous you deeply admire. Then find similar opportunities to develop those skills. That is your homework.” –Nan Hall Linke
What they accomplished, what they overcame, what they endured, are lessons to be internalized.
And while the famous can set excellent standards, care must be taken.
Take only what serves and leave the rest.
“Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go” – Oscar Wilde
“Leave the gun. Take the cannoli.” – Peter Clemenza, played by Richard Castellano, in The Godfather (directed by Francis Ford Coppola, 1972)
This especially true for your inner circle.
“It’s not enough to eat the breakfast of champions. You have to eat breakfast WITH champions.” – Derek Cockerton
“If you are not quoting your friends to perfect strangers, then you are not hanging out with the right people.” –Tony Dina
It is fun to land the perfect quip, at the perfect moment, for the perfect audience. It’s even more rewarding to know the one who originated the quip when you do.
Memorize the quotes that have served you well.
“Win the heart, and the mind will follow.” – Roy H. Williams.
“If you want to change your business, then you need to change yourself.” – Dan Morman
“Whatever you do, make a difference.” – Eric Shaffer
Note the ones that have made you laugh…
…because that is the subconscious speaking the truth.
“The path of talking toilets and tiny bubble baths is a clear sign that civilization has peaked and heading down the other side of the slippery soap.” – Tom Grimes
“I can tell that you cleaned up the kitchen because the counters look like they were wiped down with a porkchop.” – Renee Dina
“Free advice is the junk mail of the universe.” – Daniel Whittington
Above all, remember that we are here only a short amount of time.
Triumphs and tragedies are daily. Your frame of mind matters for both.
“Hello, you Beautiful Human.” – Angelo Rivano
“Despair equals suffering minus meaning.” – Chip Conley
“The difference between pain and and discomfort is your attitude” –unknown (Yogic philosophy)
Just the right quote can be an anthem for the day. The year. Or a lifetime.
“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself” – George Bernard Shaw
Remember that they are whispered by the people you know as much as by the ones everyone knows.
Write them down. Try them on. Then share them generously.
The Visual8 