Many times I look at people and I see a lot of potential. I look at the people they surround themselves with and I look at what they do with their free time and I am saddened by the reality of the potential that is waiting to unleash but will never come.
Who we are now is based on past experiences and decisions we have made and the influence we have received from others, but we cannot dwell on the past if we want to achieve great things. Sometimes we need to make tough decisions and make some changes in the friendships we have. We at least have to rethink who we’re getting advice from.
Most people would not go to a person who has been divorced 3 or 4 times and ask for marriage advice. But time and time again, when we think about going in a new direction, whether in life or in business, we look to the people around us who have stuck to the same pattern for years. I never understood this, but I have seen it in so many individuals.
If we are going to make a change in our life, it requires effort and surrounding ourselves with new people of influence. Find someone who has changed positively in any area and they will tell you that someone helped them in everything, without that person they would have failed miserably. Look around you at the people you associate with. Are they constantly learning and researching new ideas, expanding their minds, and keeping up with new technologies? Are they looking to make a positive impact on the people around them or are they full of endless sarcasm and putting down anyone who tries to change or make a difference?
I remember a story about an old man and a boy walking on the beach early in the morning. the tide had receded and there were plenty of young starfish left on the beach, which would die once the sun rose high enough and it got hot enough to dry them out. The boy was throwing the little starfish into the ocean as they were walking on the beach and at one point the old man said, “I know you’re trying to help, but look ahead on the beach, there are hundreds, maybe thousands.” that wash up on the shore. What you’re doing doesn’t make any difference.” The boy looked at him as he tossed another one into the ocean and said “I made a difference to that one” and smiled and continued.
Do you hang out with people who think change is too hard and things will never get better, or do you hang out with people who have baby eyes and think anything is possible?
Jesus said; “Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”
It takes faith to believe in what we cannot see. Have faith and look for people who are looking to make a difference and you will be amazed at how you too will achieve what you want.
