“You’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” 

 ~ Jim Rohn

Make a conscious effort to cultivate friendships with interesting, intelligent and positive people of high character. I’m suggesting building and sustaining relationships where you give at least as much as you get. The opportunities to surround yourself with engaging and supportive people is invaluable to both your success and happiness. The benefits are shared by all of those involved and contributes to a happier life. 

Place some thought into who you would like to become friends with, then find a way to reach out to them. Many people, and particularly men, don’t have that many high quality relationships. Real friends support and encourage each other. We often hear older people say “It’s about friends and family.” Don’t wait to get old before you figure this one out. Start today. 

I’ve made the effort to both reach out to new friendships, and also renew high caliber friendships from the past. It’s been a great decision and has dramatically increased my happiness. We have encouraged each other, shared information, and enjoyed the camaraderie. Our lives are better for the effort.

Take an honest look at your life. Are you hanging out with people that elevate or diminish your life? Do you elevate or diminish your friends’ lives? Is your problem a lack of friendship or poor caliber ‘friendships’? If so, be proactive, reach out, and begin building high caliber friendships.

“A problem well stated is a problem well solved.”  ~ Charles F. Kettering