Uplifting Renewal

“Become wise by walking with the wise; hang around with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.” — Proverbs 13:20 (MSG)

Who you surround yourself with matters. Whether friends, colleagues, or casual acquaintances, the company you keep significantly influences your path to success.

To get ahead in life, you need vision, wisdom, discipline, and discretion. These qualities can be undermined by the wrong influences. So let’s explore how to make choices that empower you to reach your next level.

Evaluate your influences

External factors influence us more than we often realize. The people we surround ourselves with play a significant role in shaping who we are today. Our habits also contribute greatly. Even our entertainment choices affect us. They affect every aspect of our lives, from our mindset to our daily actions.

Take a moment to reflect on these questions—they might reveal more about the person you’ve become:

• Who are your closest companions? The friends, associates, or casual acquaintances you keep can shape your thinking and actions.

• What entertainment do you consume? Think about the music, movies, shows, podcasts and even books you consume. Are you constantly glued to your phone, TV, or social media. The content you consume does not need your permission to influence you.

• What habits dominate your time? Are you a smoker, a frequent gambler, or someone who can’t resist to buy something new? Do you spend excessively on things that add no real value to your life? These habits are shaping the person you’re becoming.

• What are your priorities? Where do you invest your time, energy, and attention? Is there room for self-reflection, prayer, or meditation?

Your answers to these questions can offer valuable insights into your current self. They can help you understand the influences that have guided you along the way.

The importance of influence

Everything you engage with; friends, media, activities, has the potential to shape your mindset and behavior. It’s essential to identify negative influencers. Usually these are people or things pulling you away from your goals.

So take responsibility for who and what you let in. It’s up to you to curate your environment and protect your space from negativity. To improve your life, you must be intentional about what you allow into your space.

Here’s how to start:

Cut ties with negative influences: Letting go of negative influences can be challenging. This is especially true if you’re used to having them around or even enjoy their presence. However, it’s essential to distance yourself from people or habits that drain your energy or steer you off course.

Instead, surround yourself with relationships that uplift, inspire, and push you toward becoming the best version of yourself. Focus on connections that add value to your life and help you grow into someone you’re proud of. Remember, your environment plays a significant role in shaping who you become, so choose wisely!

Replace harmful habits: Every year, countless people resolve to be healthier. Old habits die hard. This is especially true when homes are still stocked with junk food and sugary drinks. Real change starts with your daily routines. To see positive results, you need to replace unproductive habits with ones that truly support your growth.

Swap out mindless TV shows, distracting websites, and time-wasting activities for things that uplift and inspire you. Fill your space with healthier options, engage in hobbies that fuel your passions, and seek out content that motivates you. Small changes in your environment and routines can make a big difference on your journey to a better you!

Limit screen time: Our work already keeps us glued to screens. It’s easy to stay plugged in even when the workday is over. But too much screen time can leave you feeling overstimulated, unfocused, and drained.

Outside of work, be intentional about how you spend your time. Instead of scrolling, streaming, or gaming, shift your focus to activities that truly add value to your life. Whether it’s going for a walk, reading a book, or spending time with loved ones. Make room for moments that help you decompress and recharge. Your mind and body will thank you!

Invest in your well-being: We often say we’re too busy to prioritize our health. Yet we somehow find time for that daily coffee run. We manage to watch countless TV shows. We even indulge in habits like smoking or impulse shopping. If you have time for things that don’t truly serve you, then you have time to invest in good habits. These habits can transform your life.

Imagine redirecting those moments into activities that boost your health, save money, and set you up for long-term success. Whether it’s squeezing in a quick workout, cooking a healthy meal, or setting aside money for savings. Every small change adds up. Choose actions that nourish your body and mind—you deserve it!

Seek positive role models: Finding the right person for guidance can be a challenge. Once you succeed, you’ll likely wish you had sought them out sooner. Whether you’re looking for a mentor or in a position to mentor someone else, these relationships can have a profound impact on your life.

A mentee can also be a positive influence. They keep you accountable and inspire you to live up to the expectations of being a mentor. Whether you’re ready to mentor or seeking guidance, it is invaluable to have someone in your corner. This person can guide and motivate you. Remember to choose individuals whose lives reflect the success and values you aspire to achieve. Surrounding yourself with the right people can be the key to unlocking your potential.

Take control of your life

Your life is your message to the world. Guard it with intention and care. Remember, discipline is the bridge between your thoughts and actions—so take that crucial step today to reinvent yourself.

• Reflect and act: Your life is one-of-a-kind, and there are no second chances. Don’t spend it on people or things that don’t bring value. Likewise, don’t waste your energy worrying about what you lack. Instead, focus on what you have and use it as a foundation to start working toward your goals. Every step counts!

• Seek help if needed: Every life journey is unique, and some have faced more difficult challenges than others. If making these changes feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek support. Reach out to a trusted friend or consider professional guidance. Remember, asking for help is a step forward, not a setback.

“Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits.” — 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NKJV)

Your path to greatness starts with the company you keep. A person who has or shows a lack of good sense or judgment is considered foolish. Choose wisely, and let your circle reflect the life you desire. Take charge of your surroundings, make conscious choices, and watch your life transform!