"با افرادی معاشرت کن که احتمالا تو را بهبود می‌بخشند"

Surrounding yourself with people who will help you grow and become better seems like a no-brainer, right? Yet, it's often something many overlook in the hustle of daily life. The idea is straightforward: the company you keep has a profound effect on your personal development. If you hang out with folks who inspire you, challenge you, and support your aspirations, you're likely to thrive. If not, you might stagnate or even regress.

Historically, this idea has been echoed by philosophers and thinkers for centuries. Take Seneca, for example, a Roman Stoic philosopher. He emphasized the importance of surrounding oneself with wise and virtuous individuals. Imagine living in ancient Rome—amidst the political intrigue and social complexities, Seneca understood that the right companions could mean the difference between a life well-lived and one fraught with turmoil.

Let's look at a practical example. Consider a young software developer named Jamie. Fresh out of college, Jamie joined a startup with a team of highly motivated and skilled programmers. Initially, Jamie felt out of place, considering the team’s experience. But instead of feeling discouraged, Jamie saw this as an opportunity. By interacting with these experienced colleagues, asking questions, and observing their work habits, Jamie's skills improved dramatically within a year. The positive peer pressure and supportive environment propelled Jamie's career forward much faster than if Jamie had been in a less stimulating environment.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? Start by evaluating your current social and professional circles. Ask yourself: Do these people inspire me? Do they challenge me to be better? If you find that some relationships are more draining than uplifting, it might be time to seek out new connections. This doesn’t mean you should ruthlessly cut ties with everyone who doesn't fit this criterion, but it does mean being intentional about who you spend the most time with. Look for mentors, join groups or clubs related to your interests, and be open to new friendships that push you out of your comfort zone.

Now, imagine you're at a crossroads. You have two job offers. One is a comfortable position where you know you'll do well with minimal effort. The other is a challenging role at a company known for its high standards and talented team. The first option is tempting—who doesn't love comfort? But think about the second option. By choosing the tougher path with a team that constantly pushes for excellence, you’re likely to grow much more both professionally and personally.

Picture yourself three years down the line. If you took the easy job, you might be content but probably at the same skill level as when you started. If you took the challenging job, you’d likely have grown your skills, broadened your horizons, and maybe even discovered new passions. The people around you in that tough job would have played a huge role in pushing you to become better.

In the end, it’s about being mindful of the influence others have on you. Think about it—the people you spend your time with can either lift you up or drag you down. Choose wisely, and you might just find yourself achieving things you never thought possible.