"أحيط نفسك بالعظمة، فإنها ستؤثر عليك."

It's pretty simple, really. When you spend time with people who are driven, passionate, and accomplished, their energy and habits start to influence you. You begin to pick up on their mindset, their ways of thinking, and their strategies for success. This isn't just about professional greatness—it's about being around folks who uplift you, challenge you, and inspire you to be better.

Think about it historically. This idea has been echoed by many successful people. Take Benjamin Franklin, for instance. He was part of a group called the Junto, a club for mutual improvement. They met regularly to discuss morals, politics, and science. Franklin recognized that by surrounding himself with curious and intelligent people, he'd be pushed to learn and grow in ways he couldn't achieve alone.

Now, let’s discuss a real-life example. Picture a young entrepreneur named Sarah. She’s just launched her tech startup and is still figuring things out. Instead of isolating herself, she joins a local entrepreneur club. In these meetings, she interacts with seasoned business owners and other startups. As months go by, she starts noticing changes in herself. She’s more confident, thinks strategically, and is willing to take calculated risks. By being around these successful entrepreneurs, their habits and mindsets have slowly rubbed off on her.

So, how do you apply this wisdom? Start by evaluating your current circle. Are you surrounded by people who inspire and challenge you? If not, it might be time to make some changes. Seek out groups, clubs, or communities where you can meet folks who are passionate and driven. Don't be afraid to reach out and introduce yourself—most people are open to building new connections. Also, remember that greatness isn't just about financial success. It's about kindness, creativity, resilience, and wisdom. So, surround yourself with individuals who embody the traits you admire.

Now, imagine this: You’re at a crossroads in your career. You’ve been working the same job for years, and things have become stagnant. You're good at what you do, but there's no real challenge anymore. One day, you bump into an old friend, Jack, at a coffee shop. Jack's started his own consultancy and travels around the world. He’s always buzzing with new ideas and projects. You realize every time you meet Jack, you leave the conversation feeling energized and full of new ideas.

After grabbing coffee a few more times, you decide to join a professional group Jack mentioned. Fast forward a few months, and you're attending regular meetups, engaging in thought-provoking conversations, and collaborating on side projects. The fire you thought was gone is now blazing brighter than ever. Jack’s enthusiasm, ambition, and creativity have rubbed off on you. You’re not just coasting anymore—you’re actively shaping your path and growing.

So, think about who you're spending your time with. Are they pushing you to be your best self? If not, it might be time to seek out new connections. Greatness is contagious. Surround yourself with it, and you'll find it rubbing off on you.