"选择那些能让你进步的人。"

Surrounding yourself with people who encourage and support you is a core idea that can transform your life. It's about prioritizing relationships with individuals who genuinely want to see you succeed and are there to cheer on your victories. Just think about it: you wouldn't choose to wear shoes that hurt your feet, right? So why stay around people who drag you down?

Historically, this advice isn’t new. Consider the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates. He believed that surrounding yourself with wise and virtuous companions was crucial for personal growth. We're not that different now—our friends and associates shape who we are and who we become.

Let’s dive into an example to make it more tangible. Imagine you're training for a marathon. Your friend Jamie is a regular jogger and always has encouraging words for you. On the other hand, another friend, Alex, constantly points out how hard the race will be and how they doubt you'll make it. Who would you rather have in your corner? It's Jamie, right? Jamie represents the kind of person who lifts you up—someone who not only believes in your goals but actively supports and motivates you.

So, how do you apply this in your own life? Start by evaluating your current relationships. Notice how people make you feel after spending time with them. Do they energize you or drain you? Once you've identified the positive influences, invest more time and energy into those relationships. It doesn’t mean you have to cut others out cold turkey, but it’s about prioritizing who brings you up rather than pulls you down. It’s your life and your circle of support—curate it wisely.

Here's a relatable scenario. Picture yourself at work. There’s that one colleague who always has a smile and a helpful piece of advice. Whenever you’re stuck, they're there with a fresh perspective or a funny story to lighten the mood. Over coffee breaks, you share dreams and aspirations, and they always have something uplifting to add. Then there's another colleague who seems to relish pointing out mistakes and relaying office gossip. After interacting with them, you feel drained and second-guess yourself.

Now, if you had the choice, wouldn’t you prefer to hang out with the first colleague? Of course, you would. They lift you up, making you feel capable and positive. The second colleague—well, let's just say they’re not adding value to your life.

Think about it like this: life’s too short to carry unnecessary weight. People who lift you up act like helium balloons, giving you that extra lift when you need it. So the next time you're deciding who to spend your time with, remember to choose those who fill you with hope and positivity. It’s like choosing sunshine over rain—once you experience the warmth, there's no going back.