In 2017 during my Junior Year race season I was getting ready to race, and talking to some of my friends. At one point one of them started being fairly negative about some things and I rather forcefully told him to stop, because I needed to stay positive. Even though it may have seemed kind of harsh, having a good mindset while racing is one of the most crucial aspects of racing well. My friend later told me that was one of the most impactful things I’ve ever done. It may seem kind of funny, but who you surround yourself with is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make.

Today we were paired in groups in my entrepreneurship bootcamp class, and one of the team members has not been easy to work with. He has been disrespectful and unkind. Should we eliminate him?

If it was my choice, absolutely. Is it selfish? Maybe, but maybe not.

Perhaps the way we can give best to the world is to be our best selves. And how can we do that? By surrounding ourselves with people who help us to be ourselves.

I’m not saying we shouldn’t ever talk to, or work with people who we have a hard time with, or who are difficult for us to help. We should. We should seek opportunities to lift the poor in spirit, and strengthen those who are struggling, but that doesn’t mean we should spend all of our time with them.

It has been said that you became the average of the 5 people that you spent the most time with. Choose wisely.