You Are Who You Hang With

1 May

mastermind-internet

Two stories.

First, I passed a middle aged woman sitting on the step outside the 7/11 today with a huge wad of scratch off lottery tickets. She was feverishly scratching off the numbers in quiet desperation. You could tell that she was poor. I’m not talking about poor in money – but poor in mindset.

And this isn’t the first time I’ve seen her doing this.

She would rather spend time on a Saturday afternoon scratching off lottery tickets hoping to WIN money – than an hour online or in the library studying how to MAKE money. She’s probably back home right now watching another mindless night of TV.

I don’t say this to judge her. I honestly felt sad for her. I’m sure she feels that her condition is hopeless and she’ll be working hard for money well into her twilight years. But it’s not a matter of her living conditions, job, talents, or skills.

This woman is poor in mind and she will continue to be stuck in the same situation unless she changes the way she thinks.

But that’s actually very hard to do. It means that she can’t be mentally lazy, will have to spend a lot less time watching TV and focus on changing her social circle.

Which brings me to story two.

I was on Twitter tonight and noticed a friend of mine being very negative. I started to realize that this friend and I are on VERY different paths in life. He’s smart, has his own business and probably knows more about social media than I do. But his business doesn’t grow and he feels stagnate in his life.

I’ll jump out on a limb and say he’s got the same problem as the lottery woman. Poor in mind and dwelling on the negative. Not good.

So these two stories have led me to a decision point. Because I’m changing my life in some big ways and am focused on success and helping people realize their full potential – I’m going to stop “hanging out” online with some of my social media friends who aren’t on the same path.

I’m not looking down on anyone – it’s just a change of perspective. I want to associate with others who want to help make a difference – add value – create positive energy – and make a fortune in the process.

So if you are like that – let’s hang out. If not – that’s cool. To each his own. But just don’t expect to become wealthy or enjoy the finer things of life. These go to the people who take control of their thoughts, behaviors and who they hang with.

Meaningful lives don’t happen by accident.

Leave your thoughts below.

*Photo by marfis75

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  • Good post but I believe there is a balance required here. In some cases if someone you are choosing to 'hang' with becomes a negative influence - I'd definitely suggest walking away - but if you could somehow become a positive influence you may want to choose to do that for them.

    I believe life to be more of a give and take then all give or all take. There are times when I need support and times when I'm able to give it. I think that's the same for all.

    While I choose not to 'hang' with anyone that would work against my goals and be a willing negative influence on me I'm always willing to 'hang' with those in need if I'm able to give it. I base this mostly on two verses in Proverbs that I compare.

    (If you'll forgive me quoting scripture here, since I usually do not do so, I think you'll see that they fit rather nicely. Whether or not one believes the Bible it does hold many gems.)

    Proverbs 13:20 "He that is walking with wise persons will become wise, but he that is having dealings with the stupid ones will fare badly." -- So, choose your friends wisely. Which is what you're doing. But you also have to keep in mind you could be one of the wise ones. ;)

    Compare with Proverbs 3:27 "Do not hold back good from those to whom it is owing, when it happens to be in the power of your hand to do it." - Meaning, give generously to those in need. If you're able to help someone and you're willfuly ignoring that opportunity I would suggest you do the opposite.

    Both of these verses are quoted from the New World Translation of the Bible btw.

    Again, this is all about balance. If you try to help someone and they simply won't accept it you have to know when to take your leave. I think you have the right attitude about keeping yourself away from people that don't have your same goals - just try to help them if you can and if they'll accept it.
  • joelmarkwitt
    Great thoughts Colin. You're right - balance is needed. I guess I see SO much negativity in the news, on TV, on the radio, and then on all the social media networks. It can't be good for us on a deep psychological level. We need to figure out ways to begin looking for the positive in life - right?
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