Your Friends and Your Future
Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.
Someone told me that years ago.
At the time, I probably did not want to hear it.
It sounded like advice parents give when they are all up in your business.
But now I am a dad.
And I see it clearly.
Peer groups matter.
A lot.
My wife and I are intentional about the environments our boys are in.
Who they are around.
Who they are influenced by.
We tell them all the time,
“Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.”
They roll their eyes.
They repeat it back to us in mocking voices.
And honestly, that is how I know it is landing.
Because even when it sounds like kids are not listening,
the message is getting planted.
Now here is the part most of us miss.
This is advice we give to our kids.
But we do not always take it ourselves.
As adults, especially high achievers,
we have coworkers.
We have acquaintances.
We have people we see regularly.
But we may not be intentional about putting ourselves around people who actually shape our future.
So let me ask you this.
Who are you spending time with?
Are they calling you to a higher standard?
Do they challenge you?
Do they inspire you?
Do you trust them enough to tell you the truth when you are missing it?
Because that kind of relationship is rare.
And it is valuable.
One of my closest friends tells me the truth.
And I love him for it.
And sometimes I hate him for it.
Why?
Because the truth is often unflattering.
It points out blind spots I would rather ignore.
But he does it because he loves me.
And because I asked him to.
That kind of friendship makes you better.
Real friends can celebrate your wins even when they are struggling.
And they can sit with you in loss even when things are going great for them.
They tell the truth.
They hold the line.
They want your best future, not just your comfort.
This Week’s Challenge
Take inventory of your relationships.
Who are you walking with?
Who has permission to speak into your life?
Who is helping shape the person you are becoming?
Make sure you are surrounded by people who have your best future in mind.
And make sure you are being that kind of friend to others too.
That kind of community will change your life.
Now let’s go win the week!
Watch this week’s Pep Talk video to hear the full message and join the huddle.
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