When I was working as a software engineer in Bangalore in 2005, I happened to attend a conference held by Bill Gates. The event was the launch of Microsoft’s product ‘.NET 2005’
After Gates’ spellbinding speech he permitted the audience to ask few questions. The last question asked was ‘What was your advice for the young Indians?’ He said “Have incredible passion and be surrounded by the people who have the same”
Brilliant point, Isn’t it?
You are judged by the people you keep or avoid.
Even a recent research says that ‘You are the average of the five persons you spend most of your time with’
If you are surrounded by the intellectuals, you will become one. If encircled by fools, you know what!
Be ultra-conscious of people around you as they can make or break your life. One good thing about this incredible insight is: The choice is in your hands. For example most of our friends are the people we like.
Any new relationship is exciting in the initial meetings. The secret to understand the other person easily and quickly in initial phases of the relationship is to allow him to talk more. Good listening skills can save you from your time and energy. Encourage him to talk and you will get to know him quickly. If you really feel the relationship is worth pursuing, you can continue. The smart way to think is “Does this relationship help me in reaching my dream?” If yes, continue; else, you know what.
I saw many people suffering from the disease of ‘hesitation’. Even though they hate the other person they can’t say ‘No’ to the relationship. But remember ‘it’s your life’. We have very little time to pursue our own dreams. First tell them your noble intentions. If they can’t understand, cut the crap and say good bye. It may hurt you initially but once you do it, the amount of confidence you gain and loads of energy you attain is unbelievable.
Two wise points to help you:
- Spend your time with the people who already achieved what you are dreaming of. That’s what smart people do. If you want to become a great speaker dedicate some time to find such person in your city and by hook or crook befriend him and be his assistant (at least part-time).
- Find a person who shares your passion. If you are an aspiring writer then find another aspiring writer with same or ‘more’ passion. When two people with similar passion meet, the energy is 9 times higher. In fact, it’s called synergy. The advantage of traveling in the same boat with such passionate partner is two-fold:
- You can fuel your fire whenever you meet him
- You can gain more insights, through ‘his’ point of view
In a nutshell, befriend your role-model or befriend an aspiring ‘you’ and soon you will reach your dream, happily.
By the way, with whom do you spend most of the time?
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