Keith JonesNovember 9, 2015

My friend Matt shared a great quote with me about the relationship between you and the people in your life. “You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with.” I can honestly say I love my 5. They inspire me to grow, they challenge me to be better and they help me accomplish my goals. And because of the work I do on myself, we raise each other’s average.

I am a firm believer that we accomplish nothing great alone. Everything worth having is better when it’s a shared experience. And we grow exponentially when we partner with others to realize our purpose and theirs.

For people who want to be their personal best, create win wins for others, send love out into the world and make a difference, you need certain kind of people in your life to help you. Your circle should include people who have the following philosophy when it comes to themselves and others.

• Commitment to be their best. They are not obsessed with trying to be perfect. Instead, they commit to stretching themselves a little every day to be a better version of themselves than the day before. The thoughts they keep, the words they speak and the actions they take reflect this. Their mental and physical health and fitness commitments align with being their best. And when they break an agreement to themselves or others, they apologize and recommit.

• An open and forgiving heart. Empathy guides the way they treat everyone they know and come in contact with. They don’t judge, pass blame or make people feel guilty for broken promises, lapses in integrity or their failures. They meet them with grace and an open heart. They allow them an opportunity to be authentic and imperfect without judgment. And they give them and themselves an opportunity to reinvent themselves.

• An open mind and appreciation for accountability. They give permission to their circle to be a stand for them. They share their goals with them and request they be held accountable to working toward them diligently. They tell their circle to call them out when they’re not giving their best or playing small.

I have an extraordinary circle around me. My accountability partners have helped me produce results and grow in ways I never would have on my own. Who are your five? Do they extend love to everyone or judge and blame? Do they help you grow or feed a victimhood mentality? Is your purpose being fueled by them or are you stuck in the past with them?

You get one life to live. Surround yourself with people who play a big game. They love you, themselves and everyone. Their whole being – physical, mental and emotional is healthy. You bring out the best in each other.

Keith