It is said that you are the average of your five closest companions. If you look at this and ask yourself a couple of quick questions, I think you will find that it is quite true. Look at your five closest friends, if they all are successful, you probably are too. If your five closest friends are fit and in shape, you most likely are too. On the other hand, if your five closest friends are over-weight, if they are struggling with a marriage, or are dealing with an addiction, such as alcohol, you probably are too.

Sometimes the hardest part about growing and traveling your journey is understanding that the friends that got you to where you are today, are probably not the ones you need to get you to where you want to be tomorrow. As times change, as circumstances develop, and as you continue to grow, you need to have companions that will be able to travel along with you. You need people who can assist you when needed. Oprah once said, “Lots of people want to ride in your limousine, but what you need is people that will not only ride but ones who are willing to help push the limousine when it gets stuck. I have also heard that if you are the smartest person in the room… go to another room.

We all need friends, companions, but, we need to have good ones, so be choosy about who you allow to fill those positions. Your inner circle of friends needs to be thought of as your presidential cabinet, the people you trust most to help you through not only the rough times but also ones who can help you celebrate during the good times. As we look at some of the people that we have all had to interact with, keep in mind that you want to improve or raise your average, help raise other’s average too.