Trimming the Deadweight

 

What I’m about to talk about is common knowledge, but not common practice.

 

No, this isn’t a post about losing weight for the summer – this isn’t about your physical wellbeing at all. This is about your mental and emotional wellbeing. This is about growth.

 

You’ve often heard people say that you should surround yourself with people that are good for you. It doesn’t take a genius to realise that this is important, but the issue is that “good for you” has become so vaguely defined. Nowadays, a lot of young people choose their friends based on status and social popularity (for example).

 

Hold on, let’s rewind for a brief moment.

 

Remember when you were in primary school and you thought that your group of friends would be your friends for life? Then you went to secondary school and half of them dropped off. Remember when you were in secondary school and you thought that your group of friends would be your friends for life? Then half of them dropped off too.

 

I trust that you’re getting the picture.

 

I want you to visualise your circle of friends – the people who you’re closest to. These people are a representation of you. Are you satisfied or dissatisfied? Are you comfortable in bringing these people to different social settings without the risk of them harming your personal brand?

 

Now look, I get it, everyone has a variety of friends; the smart ones, the funny ones, the sporty ones and so on. But the problem is that some of you are truly reluctant to let go of connections that are holding you back. I’m talking about their direct and indirect influence on your mentality – don’t neglect the importance of your emotional health and intelligence.

 

It’s time to cut off the deadweight – sorry for being so blunt.

 

What I am saying is that there are those who are frankly a waste of space in your life – you are limiting your own happiness and progression by keeping them around. So be prepared to make the difficult choices.

 

And please, don’t forget that this goes the other way around too:

 

“Be the type of person that no matter where you go or where you stay, you should always add value to the lives of those around you.”

 

Today, I can proudly say that my closest friends are individuals that I am genuinely proud of. They improve my personal brand and they have become people I can look up to. Being completely honest with you, I previously did not make this decision consciously. These connections were formed organically and have continued to develop naturally. But I stuck by those who made me better and they stuck by me.

 

Think of how your social circle has evolved over time; at each one of these stages in your life, how did your personality change?

 

Always aim to be the smartest one in the room. If you’re the smartest one in the room, then you’re in the wrong room.

 

Surrounding myself with people that have helped me to grow, driven me to the next level at every step and have supported my ambitions has been one of the most positive influences in my life thus far. Some of my closest friends have become like family; I am witnessing them succeed and mature in many of their own ways. One day, when I have my own family, I want my kids to be able to look up to these friends (who I consider to be my brothers and sisters) as positive role models, as examples of what you should do and what you can do.

 

So choose your circle very selectively. If someone close to you isn’t having a positive impact on your life then, by default, they are slowing you down.

 

Run With The Winners.

 

Danny Naqvi