This past weekend at our team camp, I give a Champion's Concept lecture to each team talking about various things that I think are important in our quest to the best that we can be. One of the things that we believe strongly in is that champions understand the importance of their associations. We speak to them about creating a circle of influence -- a group of people that you choose because they know they will hold you accountable and help you to grow and work towards your goals.
Darren Hardy in his book "The Compound Effect" refers to it as finding a peak-performance partner. Here is what he has to say:
"Another way to increase your exposure to expanded associations is by teaming up with a peak performance partner, someone as equally committed to study and personal growth as you. This person should be someone you trust, someone bold enough to tell you what they really thing about you, your attitudes, and performance. It could be that this person is a longtime friend, but he or she may be someone who doesn't know you well at all. The point is to get (and give) an unbiased, honest, outside perspective."
Want to be more enthusiastic?
Surround yourself with enthusiastic people.
Want to be a hard worker?
Surround yourself with those that work hard.
Want to be a winner?
Surround yourself with winners!