Whether we like it or not, we are influenced by the people closest to us and therefore we must be honest to ourselves when we choose who we spend our valuable time with. I love the saying that goes – “Show me your friends and I will show you your future”. I know some of you might find this statement not 100% accurate, and that’s ok, but neither does it make it untrue.

The thinking behind this saying is that you are who you spend your time with and therefore when you see a group of people together you generally assume that they have some things in common – positive or negative. Therefore, If you spend time with individuals who act immorally one may assume, truth or not, that you condone and believe in such behavior. That’s why they say if you want to be successful you should immerse yourself in successful people company. Now is it also possible that if someone did spend time with successful people may not become successful? I suppose so. However, the likelihood is much greater than if you sat with unmotivated, undriven people all day. The hope is if you surround yourself with good vibes, good intentions and good habits, eventually it will rub off onto you.

Here are 3 questions you may want to consider while making new friends going forward or perhaps even reflect on the ones you have now 😐

1. What value do they bring to your life and what value do you give them?
2. Do your friends help you grow everyday and does the time you envision you’ll spend together make you better people?
3. Are you proud to introduce them to your inner circle of other friends and family? If not, you are wasting time!

As you go by thinking about your 2020 goal setting in the area I term as THE 3Fs – friends, family & fun, be more intentional about the people you invite in your deeper inner circle. You need relationships with people you can trust, you need close friends who will encourage you, love you, cry with you, mourn with you, inspire you, challenge you and most importantly – PRAY WITH YOU and remember that they also need you to do the same for them.