Excellence by Association ~ 1

“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” Proverbs 27:17 (NLT)

“Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, small minds discuss people” – Eleanor Roosevelt

“Show me your friend and I will tell you who you are.”    – Wisdom words
The people you associate with can greatly influence you for excellence. 

Let’s try a simple experiment: 

Try to remember the people you interacted with in the last 24 hours.

Chances are that you spent 20 minutes with someone and you left him/her feeling inspired, motivated, enlightened. You learned something new. You became a better person. 

Then, you spent same 20 minutes with another person after which you felt drained, lazy, discouraged or unconcerned.

Nobody we meet in life leaves us the same way. They either aid or alter our destiny fulfilment. They either make or mar us. Sometimes, this is not because they are bad people. Sometimes, it is simply because the timing or place is not right.

An associate may be defined as a partner or colleague at school, work or in business.

Man by nature is a creature of pattern and habit. We have a tendency to observe others’ behavior, copy it and with continued emulation, master it.

To keep excelling, associate with the right people. Associate more with students who are focused. Associate more with people who have character and integrity. Associate more with fellow believers who share your faith in God and are experiencing life in Jesus.

Four things you should bear in mind about excellence influencers and associates:

1. Please note that your associate must not be your friend. It is not necessary to befriend every good person that comes your way so that you can excel. No. The good news is that only association with the right people is enough. By being in close proximity with them, you are already getting yourself equipped for greater heights. Sometimes however, we are lucky to have our associates as our friends.

2. Don’t go out everyday with a mindset of meeting and associating with people who will solve all your life problems. For example, Obi needs to pay his school fees or pass a Math course, so he makes relationships with people with that ulterior motive – someone who can meet his needs. No good relationship buds on such front. A Christian Exceller learns to look to God FIRST and ULTIMATELY for his needs. If God chooses to use anyone to meet this need, wonderful. So, try not leave yourself at the mercy of others.

3. Strive to be a positive influence yourself. Develop yourself until everyone who meets you daily becomes better. Talk about life goals! This will imply that you deal with all those negative emotions that may arise – pessimism, self – pity, laziness, easy irritation and so on. Celebrate your progress, don’t be discouraged on your journey and do not look down on your unique contributions to the world. You are wonderfully and fearfully made by your loving Father and Lord. You are a positive influence. There is no stopping you because as long as you keep trusting in God, He is committed to your life!

4. Don’t look down on anyone or be given to hasty judgment of people. Be open and polite to people who will want to associate with you. But as time goes on, you will need to draw healthy boundaries depending on whether they are healthy influences to you or not. Remember that your life is your personal space to be managed.
*Excellence by Association ~ 2, loading… *

With much love to you, dear reader friends!