Who influences you?

It is interesting times as we take a look at what influences our core beliefs. Here, if you will indulge me, I would like to explore this area and see where it takes us.

Do any of you remember hearing "be careful who you hang around with" as you were growing up?

One of the fastest ways to get to where you want to go – to become who you want to become, is to surround yourself with people who are already where you want to be.

Don’t hang around people who don’t honor your dreams, your soul and what you represent purely to settle for SOME sort of connection.

The company you keep says a lot about you, because your friends have a major influence on how you feel, think, and behave.

1. Strong-willed friends can increase your self-control. When people are running low on self-control, they often seek out self-disciplined people to boost their willpower

2. Having fewer friends increases the likelihood that you’ll take financial risks.

When people lack adequate social interaction, they’re more likely to take bigger risks with money, Researchers discovered that people who felt lonely or rejected were most likely to take the biggest financial risks. Be aware that your emotions could affect your spending habits. Uncomfortable emotions can increase the chances that you’ll behave recklessly.

3. Having too many social media connections increases your stress level. When it comes to social media, “the more the merrier” may not be the best approach. researchers linked an abundance of social media connections to increased anxiety about offending people.

4. Close friends may be the secret to longevity. When older adults have close confidants, they’re likely to live longer, according to a 2005 study. Researchers discovered that people with a large network of friends outlived less-friended counterparts by 22%. Other studies touting the health benefits of friendship have shown that connections can help ward off depression and boost immunity. having close friends can be one of the best things we can do for our health.

5. Friends greatly influence your choices.

A study found that friends often bond by providing one another with the moral support needed to resist a temptation. However, friends also commonly conspire together to enjoy indulgences.

The reality is that you're likely to start acting more like the people you surround yourself with. When you choose people who inspire and challenge you to be better, you'll increase your chances of reaching your goals.

So, over to you: are you happy in your current friendship group? Do you feel supported unconditionally by your friends? Who do you spend most of your time with? Feel free to share with us your thoughts below. And look out for Part 2 of This Topic!

Sources:

Psychology Today Blog

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/what-mentally-strong-people-dont-do/201504/5-reasons-studies-say-you-have-choose-your-friends