Destiny is sometimes irrevocably intertwined with the people we have in our lives especially those with undeniable influence over us.
According to John Maxwell, “You cannot grow beyond the people you have around you; they are your biggest asset or your biggest liability.”
Consequently, one of the most critical decisions in the journey of life is the choice of those in our inner circle.
Association when in it’s truest form is one of the fastest and surest ladder to the top.
This must be so because experience has taught me that no one succeeds all alone without the friendly cooperation and support of good people ready and willing to lend helping hands.
I agree with Helen Keller who rightly observed: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” Kanu Nwankwo speaking from the perspective of his historic professional football experience noted: “With the right people in your team, great goals come naturally.”
Someone stated that a careful scrutiny of your closest friends by a keen observer will reveal where you’re going to be in the next few years ahead.
For emphasis sake, do you know that nobody succeed alone? Listen to Myles Munroe (of blessed memory), “No achievement in life is without the help of many known and unknown individuals who have contributed to our lives.”
No man is an island.
You need people who will help you fulfill your God-ordained destiny.
One notable Nigerian Professor in America was described as a giant. I love his response. He said, “I am a giant because am standing on the shoulder of other giants.”
Although it’s important to associate, yet we must be extra careful in our choice of association.
Remember that association is simply a question of choice. A wise man noted: “God chooses our relatives; we choose our friends.”
Consider the following categories of people:
ROOT PEOPLE
They are not visible in your life, but they are your pillar of sustenance.
As important as their mission in your life, they are happy that like the root of a tree they are hidden and not interested in any public recognition.
They are not boasting about the nutrients they are feeding you. Yet, without the invisible taproot the tree will eventually die.
No matter the situation this category of people will never leave you.
LEAF PEOPLE
They are the fair weather people. When things are good and rosy they stick with you.
But at the slightest wind they fall away and forget you.
You won’t find them in your most critical hour of need.
LADDER HOLDERS
They help you hold the ladder as you struggle to get to the top.
They genuinely and passionately love you.
In fact, your success is not a threat to them.
They are simply interested in your happiness and nothing more.
LADDER SHAKERS
Those in this category are not happy that you’re rising in the journey of life. They are looking for the slightest opportunity to shake the ladder violently and bring you down.
Be alert!
FIRELIGHTER
They help you fire your dream until you become a shining light.
Seeing you doing well in life give them undiluted pleasure.
FIRE FIGHTER
The people in this category are haters. They will pour water of setback in the fire of your dream.
Your failure and agony is their secret desire.
CONNECTORS
They may not have the solution or answer to your problem, but they will direct you to where you will find the desired answer.
They are sincere people who want to see you succeed.
DEPOSITORS
They are people who will always give you reasons to forge ahead no matter how bad the situation may be.
Meeting them will leave you with unbeatable confidence, courage, seeds of greatness, etc.
DRAINERS
The name is self-explanatory. They are out to drain you of everything that counts for your dreams and vision in life.
They drain your time, joy, peace, self-esteem, etc.
UNREPENTANT OPTIMISTIC
These are people who will provide you with loads of reasons to forge ahead.
They will encourage you with multiple positive perspectives no matter how bad the situation may be.
IRREDEEMABLE PESSIMIST
They will never see anything good in the things you do.
No matter the positive prospect in your pursuit, irredeemable pessimistic will try hard to convince you that you’re on a futile mission!
WARNING
Don’t be sore afraid or over careful to the point of not having friends.
Remember that everything in life comes with some measure of risk.
According to Samuel Johnson, “If a man does not make new acquitances as he advances through life, he will soon find himself alone. A man, sir, should keep his friendship in constant repair.”
THE GREATEST RISK IS TO RISK NOTHING
No man is an island. You need me just as l equally need you.
THE GRAND DECEPTION OF THE COMFORT ZONE
Long before you were born success moved out of his old apartment at COMFORT ZONE.
Listen to Robert Kiyosaki, “Growth and personal development only happens under pressure and stress.”
Yes, success is such an uncomfortable adventure. Be prepare for the pressure and stress that comes with success.
Never seek refuge in your COMFORT ZONE. Running away from the stress and pressure associated with success will make you a failure.
SUCCESS doesn’t reside in COMFORT ZONE.
SUCCESS is permanently resident in that DISCOMFORT ZONE that you have been avoiding.
MY JOY If this message find a place in your heart and motivate you to greater heights, you would have multiplied my joy.