Who are you hanging out with?

I know some people might disagree with me, but who you hang out with has a great deal to do with who you are.  Are you hanging out with positive uplifting people with a passion for life or are you hanging out with people who are negative and quick to blame others for their situation? Negative people view life through critical glasses and they will bring down everyone they associate with.

A very wise book states that "bad company corrupts good character".

If your situation is not improving, take a good hard look at who you are hanging around.  Maybe it is time to look for other friends.  People who have a positive attitude and look for the good in situations and others.  People who value what others think about them.  People of high character.

Hanging out with the right people will improve your look on life, your job, and relationships.  They usually are the type of people who enjoy helping others.  If you are willing to do a little soul searching, ask them for their honest opinion of what you need to change to improve.  If they are honest with you, you might not like what they tell you.  But it might just be what you need to hear to turn your life around.

You need to have people around you that will tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear.    

Iron Sharpens Iron - Who are you coaching?

For us to stay sharp we need to sharpen our own skills. It has been my experience that when I am coaching to teaching others, I am challenged to follow my own advise.

My clients often ask me challenging questions. These often force me to search deep for answers. This process forces me to look for potential options my client will find useful. As I explore options I often remind myself of  things I need to do in my own life.  This process not only aids my client but enables me to improve myself.

If you want to sharpen your skills do it by working to help others. You can do this by mentoring or coaching someone.  Maybe a neighbor or someone at work could be helped. Are you willing to help someone else? It doesn't require a lot of your time, maybe a 15-30 minute phone call once a week. When you meet you don't need to have all the answers, allow the person you are working with to explore their options by asking them open ended question. As you help them, you will be amazed how much you help yourself.  It will make you not only  better employee, but a better person at work. Make sure to emphasize the positive. People need encouragement, not criticism.

With our current economy, one does not have to look far to find an opportunity to teach people who can benefit from our knowledge and experience. Help someone else and I guarantee you will help yourself and feel great doing it.