The Power of Your Surroundings: How the People You Associate With Shape Your Life and Writing Journey

The Power of Your Surroundings: How the People You Associate With Shape Your Life and Writing Journey

Have you ever heard the saying, "You're the average of the five people you surround yourself with"? Well, it turns out that this statement is just scratching the surface. In reality, you're not just the average of those five individuals, but rather the average of all the people who surround you. The influence of your surroundings extends far beyond the limited scope of a small group of close friends or family members. Research suggests that it includes people you haven't even met yet. So, take a moment to look around and evaluate whether you're in the right environment to thrive.

Let's start by exploring the impact of your surroundings on your personal life. Studies have shown that if a friend of yours becomes obese, you have a 45 percent higher likelihood of gaining weight yourself over the next two to four years. Similarly, if your friend smokes, you are 61 percent more likely to pick up the habit. Surprisingly, even if a friend of your friend smokes, you are still 29 percent more likely to become a smoker. These statistics highlight how the choices and behaviors of those around us can significantly influence our own actions.

Now, let's shift our focus to the world of writing. Tim Urban, the creator of the popular blog Wait But Why, offers valuable advice on honing your writing skills. He emphasizes the importance of simply writing and practicing your craft. Urban himself wrote an impressive 300 blog posts between the ages of 23 and 29 before starting Wait But Why. It takes time to find your voice, tone, and style as a writer. Don't be afraid to experiment, rewrite parts of your work, start over, or try a new approach. Keep fiddling with your writing until it clicks.

Reading is another crucial aspect of becoming a better writer. Urban compares reading to fertilizer for your writing. By immersing yourself in the works of other writers, you expose yourself to different styles, tones, and perspectives. It's like a scale, ranging from complete imitation of another writer to being completely unique and groundbreaking. Your goal is to start somewhere in the middle and gradually work your way up the scale as you mature as a writer. Imitate and innovate to find your own distinctive style.

Receiving feedback is an essential part of growth as a writer. However, it's important to be discerning about whose feedback you listen to. Seek out individuals who genuinely believe in you, root for your success, and understand that what they're reading isn't your maximum potential but rather an exploration of your voice and style. Feedback from someone who meets these criteria can be invaluable in guiding your writing journey.

While the quality of writing is undoubtedly important, it's essential to remember that the ideas behind the writing hold even greater significance. It's better to have great ideas and pretty good writing than the other way around. Focus on developing thought-provoking and compelling ideas, and with time and practice, your writing skills will catch up.

To summarize, the people you surround yourself with and the environment you inhabit have a profound impact on both your personal life and writing journey. Choose your surroundings wisely and be mindful of the individuals you allow into your inner circle. Now, here are three actionable pieces of advice to help you navigate the power of your surroundings:

1. Assess your current surroundings: Take a moment to evaluate the people you spend the most time with and the overall environment you are in. Are these individuals and surroundings uplifting, motivating, and aligned with your goals? If not, consider making changes to ensure you are in the right surroundings to thrive.

2. Surround yourself with diverse perspectives: Seek out individuals who come from different backgrounds, cultures, and industries. Exposure to diverse perspectives can broaden your horizons, spark new ideas, and challenge your thinking. Engaging with a variety of viewpoints will enrich your personal and writing life.

3. Cultivate a supportive feedback network: Find individuals who genuinely believe in your potential and can provide constructive feedback on your writing. Look for mentors or writing groups where you can share your work and receive valuable insights. Surrounding yourself with people who understand your journey and support your growth is crucial for your development as a writer.

In conclusion, the power of your surroundings cannot be underestimated. Whether it's the impact on your personal life or your writing journey, the people you associate with shape your path. Be intentional about your surroundings, immerse yourself in diverse perspectives, and seek out supportive feedback. By harnessing the power of your surroundings, you can unlock your full potential and pave the way for personal and creative growth.