Who Do You Want To Be?

Yesterday a friend was telling me about the lesson that she has learned over many months about knowing when to keep her mouth shut about situations she has been told about (or overheard).  By her own admission, she was a bad gossip and has worked hard on not being a gossip.  I was reminded of the importance of keeping the right kind of company when she mentioned needing separation from people who don't know when to stop talking.

A number of years ago, a mentor told me to surround myself with people who had qualities, mindsets, habits, and characteristics that I wanted to not just emulate but possess for myself.  So, as I strive to be the best youth worker I can be, I purposefully seek out youth workers I admire and spend time with them.  As I work hard to learn more about being the best husband I can be, I glean from men who inspire me in how they are husbands while I talk to women who help their husbands be all they can be.

If you struggle with managing your time well and finding the discipline to do your homework, seek out the people that do those things well.  If you're attitude is more critical than you'd like it to be, find a natural encourager.  Watch them.  Listen to them.  Ask them about it (maybe they weren't always good at encouraging others).

The point is this: identify who you want to be and then surround yourself with people who are like that.  My friend recognized something she didn't like about herself, asked for help from those she trusted, and took intentional steps to grow and mature as a person.  You likely will need a handful of people (community is good for us) to cover all the qualities, mindsets, habits, and characteristics that you wish to possess.

So, what is a way you need to grow as a person and who's help do you need to get there?  If I can help, let me know!