Eager to accelerate your route to success? Here’s a secret that you might be interested in. It’s so fundamental that you’ll slap your head upon hearing it and exclaim, “Why didn’t I think of that?!”

It’s group change. Group change is defined as the ability to influence the people closest to you, be it your family or friends, into adopting your way of thinking (see: TheLostopedia). Can’t find that on Google?  Me neither. I sort of faked that. It was a sudden inspiration. Maybe I read it somewhere. But you got my point huh?

“The ones closest to you can make or break you.”  – Anonymous

Your Type of Company
Birds of a feather flock together. Very true indeed! Everyone likes to hang out with people that share his or her common interests. As much as you enjoy the company of your close ones, you are exposed to their thoughts every day. Soon enough, you find yourself adopting their values and beliefs!

Is the Earth Flat or Round?
Popular beliefs aren’t always true. People of the Middle Ages used to think that the Earth was flat. Until someone proved it otherwise. Ever tried telling your loved ones your dreams one day, only to receive feedbacks like, “You must be crazy!” “Go get a DECENT job”. Or… “Dreams can’t fill your stomach.”

Don’t be disheartened! Instead, you should …

Welcome Them to Your World!
Successful people see solutions when others see problems. You might have been exposed to new values and beliefs that are taught to you. However, your friends and family HAVEN’T! Hence, they do not see eye to eye with you.

Unless you are satisfied with a monotonous life deprived of important decisions and brave attempts, don’t stop here! Welcome them to your world! Show them the possibilities. Inspire them! Instead of being influenced by them, why not YOU influence THEM? After all, if you want to succeed, don’t be selfish. Why not help them as well? Group change! Remember?

What Others Suggest
Many authors have touched on this issue – the influence of your family and friends. Some have suggested becoming selective about your friends. And mixing with the same type of people (e.g. those interested in success). Heard of Mastermind groups?

Well, I agree with the latter. But I don’t think you must be selective about your friends. Your buddies might not have the traits of successful men. However, they might be supporting you emotionally or spiritually.

At the end of the post, just remember this:

“Influence the people closest to you into adopting the success principles you learned, and you’ll find yourself closer to your dreams in no time.” 
– TheLostOne.com