"あなたの周りの人々はあなたを引き留めていますか、それとも前進するために力づけていますか？あなたの人生が行き詰まっているなら、一緒にいる人々のグループを見直してみてください。"

The core idea here is that the people you surround yourself with can significantly impact your progress in life, either stalling you or helping you move forward. It’s like they say, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” If you’re feeling stuck or not making any headway, it might be worth examining who’s in your circle and how they're influencing you.

Historically, this concept has roots in age-old wisdom. Philosophers like Socrates and motivational speakers like Jim Rohn have emphasized the importance of our social circles. The idea is that the people around us shape our beliefs, actions, and ultimately, our outcomes. Think about it: if you’re constantly surrounded by naysayers or people with no ambition, it’s hard not to get dragged down by that energy. Conversely, if you’re with go-getters who support and challenge you, it’s almost contagious—it rubs off on you, pushing you to be better.

Let's dive into a real-life example. Picture Sarah, a graphic designer who dreams of starting her own design studio. For years, she’s been hanging out with friends who, while fun, are pretty content with their 9-to-5 jobs and have no real drive to pursue bigger goals. They’re always telling Sarah to “play it safe” and not risk her stable job. Consequently, Sarah feels stuck and unmotivated. Now, imagine Sarah decides to join a local entrepreneur group. She starts spending time with people who are passionate about their own startups and brimming with ideas and encouragement. They share resources, cheer each other on, and discuss strategies. Suddenly, Sarah’s own dream doesn’t seem so far-fetched. She feels inspired, gets practical advice, and finally takes the plunge to start her studio. That’s the power of changing your environment.

So, how can you apply this wisdom to your life? Start by doing a “circle audit.” List the people you spend the most time with and reflect on how each one makes you feel and behave. Are they lifting you up or pulling you down? This doesn’t mean cutting off friends at the drop of a hat, but it does mean being mindful of your interactions. Seek out those who inspire you, challenge you in a good way, and believe in your potential. Join clubs, attend workshops, or even look for online communities that align with your goals and values.

Imagine you’re at a crossroads in your life. You’ve always wanted to write a book, but your current friends think it’s a pipe dream. Whenever you bring it up, they laugh it off or change the subject. Now, picture you find a local writer’s group. These people get excited when you talk about your book idea. They offer feedback, share their own writing struggles, and celebrate your little wins. Slowly but surely, you start writing every day. That dream doesn’t feel so distant anymore, does it?

In essence, if you want to soar, don’t hang with people who prefer to stay grounded. Be selective about who gets your time and energy. It’s not about snobbery—it’s about recognizing that your environment plays a huge role in your growth. Surround yourself with those who push you forward, and you’ll find that your own potential knows no bounds.