 The Law of Environment: Are You In Good Company? [Click here to watch the video] In the pursuit of personal and professional growth, the environment you place yourself in can either be your biggest asset or your greatest hindrance. John Maxwell, in his influential work "The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth," emphasizes this through what he calls the Law of Environment. The essence of this law is captured in the maxim, "If you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room." Imagine you are a million-dollar producer aiming to become a ten-million-dollar producer. What got you to a million won’t get you to ten million. The growth you seek requires you to change your environment and surround yourself with people who are already achieving the results you desire. As Maxwell notes, we are the combined average of the five people we spend the most time with. This principle underscores the transformative power of the right environment. Proximity is Power Tony Robbins famously says, "Proximity is power." This idea is crucial for understanding the impact of your environment on your growth. Picture a boardroom with ten seats. Nine seats are occupied by individuals, each producing $10 million annually. One seat is open, and you are invited to join. By accepting this invitation, you are placing yourself in a powerful environment. Over the next year, the proximity to these high achievers would likely elevate your performance, pushing you closer to their level of success. Even if you don't reach the ten-million-dollar mark, you might see substantial growth, perhaps doubling or even tripling your current achievements. Upgrading Your Network A mentor once told me, "As you continue to grow and evolve, you're going to need to upgrade your friends. You'll outgrow some relationships and will need to find new connections that can propel you to the next level." This advice has resonated deeply with me throughout my journey. Continual growth often requires re-evaluating and changing your environment to one that challenges and inspires you. Building High-Performance Teams In team dynamics, the Law of Environment is equally powerful. I recall attending a conference where James Clear, the author of "Atomic Habits," highlighted the importance of creating a culture where the desired behavior is the new standard. He stressed that teams will only rise to the level of expectation and leadership set by their leaders. This aligns with my experience in a high-performing team, which we aptly named the SWAT team (Special Winning Attitude Team). Our mentor set a high bar for entry and performance. This high standard created an environment where excellence was the norm, and everyone strived to meet and exceed expectations. While not everyone was an all-star, every member was exceptionally good and earned their spot through dedication and performance. This culture of high expectations fostered a powerful environment for growth and achievement. Reflecting on Your Current Environment Today, take a moment to reflect on the five people you spend the most time with. Do they inspire and challenge you to reach your full potential? If not, it might be time to consider changing your environment. Seek out individuals and groups that embody the success and behaviors you aspire to achieve. Surrounding yourself with the right people can drastically alter your trajectory. It's about being in environments that foster growth, where you are challenged and inspired to push beyond your current limits. Practical Steps to Change Your Environment 1. Identify Your Goals: Clearly define what you want to achieve. Whether it’s professional success, personal growth, or both, knowing your goals is the first step. 2. Evaluate Your Current Environment: Assess the influence of your current circle. Are they supportive, challenging, and aligned with your goals? 3. Seek Out New Environments: Join professional groups, attend conferences, or find mentors who are where you want to be. Look for communities and networks that support and inspire growth. 4. Engage and Contribute: Actively participate in these new environments. Share your goals, seek advice, and offer support to others. Engagement is key to building meaningful and beneficial relationships. 5. Continuously Re-evaluate: Growth is an ongoing process. Periodically re-assess your environment to ensure it continues to support your evolving goals. In conclusion, the Law of Environment from John Maxwell's "The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth" teaches us that our surroundings significantly impact our potential for growth. By choosing the right environments and the right people to surround ourselves with, we can unlock new levels of success and personal development. Remember, if you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room. Bill Storm P.S. If you like today's message, here are several ways I can help you grow faster…
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