"Entourez-vous de personnes qui vous élèvent et vous poussent à être meilleur"

The core idea behind this quote is pretty straightforward: the people you hang around with have a big influence on who you are and who you become. If you’re surrounded by folks who encourage you, challenge you, and inspire you to grow, you’re more likely to achieve your goals and become the best version of yourself. On the flip side, if you’re around negative people who bring you down, it’s a lot harder to stay motivated and reach your potential.

This concept isn't new. Think back to ancient Greece and the philosopher Socrates. He believed in the importance of dialogue and surrounding oneself with wise and virtuous people. Fast forward to modern times, and you can see this idea echoed in countless self-help books and motivational speeches. The advice remains consistent because it’s just so true—who we associate with can make or break us.

Let’s take a real-life example to see this idea in action. Consider a young professional named Jake. He’s ambitious and dreams of starting his own business. Jake has two groups of friends. The first group is supportive and driven—they’ve got their own startups or are excelling in their careers. They share ideas, give constructive feedback, and celebrate each other’s successes. The second group is more laid-back. They prefer to spend time partying and aren’t really focused on personal growth or professional development.

When Jake spends more time with his first group of friends, he’s constantly inspired. Their energy is infectious. They push him to take risks, think creatively, and work hard. He starts his business and, with their advice and support, it grows. Contrast this with the times Jake spends with the second group. They’re fun, sure, but their influence isn’t pushing him towards his goals. When he hangs out with them too much, he notices he’s not as motivated. His business plans stall.

If you want to apply this wisdom, start by evaluating your own circle of friends or colleagues. Are they supportive? Do they challenge you to improve? If not, it might be time to make some changes. This doesn’t mean you have to cut people off completely, but maybe spend a little less time with those who don’t uplift you and more with those who do. Seek out mentors, join groups with similar interests, and find communities that align with your goals.

Imagine you’re someone who wants to get in shape. You have a friend who loves working out and eating healthy. You start hitting the gym together and trading recipes. Their enthusiasm and discipline rub off on you. You find yourself motivated to stick to your fitness routine and even enjoy the process. Now, think about trying to get in shape while hanging out with friends who prefer binge-watching TV and ordering takeout. It’s much harder to stay on track, right?

In essence, who you surround yourself with matters a lot. If you want to grow, achieve your dreams, and become the best you can be, make sure you’re in the company of people who lift you higher and push you to be better. They’ll be the wind beneath your wings, helping you soar to new heights.