Are you ready to discover how shifting your focus to success-driven content can transform your mindset. The phrase “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with” is a common concept in the self-improvement world. If you’re like me and actively consume content about building a better life, you’ve probably heard this phrase multiple times. But what if you don’t have five people in your life who you want to be the average of?
That doesn’t mean you don’t appreciate or enjoy the company of your friends. If they bring you happiness and don’t negatively impact your journey, there’s no reason to stop spending time with them. However, it’s completely understandable that you might have different ambitions and aspirations than those around you. That’s what we’re going to explore today.
You Become The Avarage Of What You Surround Yourself With
I truly believe that our surroundings have a profound impact on who we become, and a key part of achieving great things in life is cultivating the right mindset and surrounding ourselves with people who have already accomplished what we aspire to. Why not make the most of the information and resources available to us to propel ourselves forward on the path to success? I also believe that, regardless of where we come from or where we are, we have the power to choose our surroundings.
If your friends are constantly focused on partying and drinking, it’s natural to start seeing that lifestyle as appealing. We all have a deep-seated need to fit in, be liked, and maintain friendships. However, if you have big goals and a clear vision for your ideal life, you may find yourself craving more.
Personally, I don’t have a close circle of friends who frequently discuss business, self-improvement, and financial growth. So, I had to seek out alternative ways to immerse myself in that mindset. Luckily, in today’s world, there are endless opportunities to do just that.
Surround Yourself with the Right Influences
Surrounding yourself with people who share your values and goals can significantly accelerate your progress. However, if you’re on a unique journey, it can be difficult to find individuals who truly align with your vision. Many people follow the conventional path, while you’re striving to break away from it. To think like the people you aspire to become, you need to immerse yourself in their thoughts, ideas, and habits. The best way to do this? Read books. Books are an incredible tool that allows you to connect with successful individuals, even if you’ve never met them. Whether you prefer physical books or audiobooks, the more books you read from high achievers, the more your mindset will evolve toward success.
But reading alone isn’t enough—you must take action. Apply what you learn, and you’ll notice a shift in your life over time.
In addition to books, valuable content can be found on YouTube, blogs, and podcasts. The key is to move from passive consumption to actively learning from those who embody the life you want to live.
A Personal Example: The Power of Podcasts
Recently, I started listening to a podcast called My First Million on Spotify—highly recommended. The show features two successful entrepreneurs discussing business ideas and strategies. For two weeks, I made it a habit to listen to one episode per day.
What happened? My brain started generating business ideas on its own, as if it had woken up from a long winter sleep. Surrounding myself with conversations about business naturally shifted my thinking. I realized that idea generation is a skill—one that can be improved just like any other.
The Content You Consume Shapes You
If you replace the majority of your usual content consumption with books, videos, and podcasts from people living the life you aspire to, you don’t need to know them personally to be influenced by them.
So, let’s reframe the original phrase: Instead of “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with,” let’s say, “You are the average of the content you consume.”
Choose wisely.
