“A strong, successful man is not the victim of his environment. He creates favorable conditions. His own inherent force and energy compel things to turn out as he desires.”—Orison Swett Marden
We can affect our environment. True, we might not find ourselves in (what we perceive to be) the best of circumstances, but we can adapt our situation to create more favorable conditions for success. The choice is ours.
It is easy to blame our circumstances for our frustration and lack of success. We can, however, create what Jim Harshaw (Success Through Failure) calls an “Environment of Excellence”. I wrote on this before, but it is worth revisiting.
Create an “Environment of Excellence” by surrounding yourself with the people and things that uplift and encourage you. Your home, workspace, exercise space, car, and anywhere you spend a significant amount of time should encourage excellence.
In creating your “Environment of Excellence”, consider:
–the people with whom you associate;
–colors and décor;
–music;
–clutter;
–how you structure your time; and
–how you approach your circumstances.
People are of great importance. I have worked with a range of people. If you find yourself in a work situation that is stressful and difficult, don’t gather with the people who will bring out your most negative side. Avoid these like a plague. Find the people who will keep you positive. If such people are hard to come by, you need to adjust your attitude. Remember: your attitude shapes your attitude. Look for the opportunity the relationships present to you. This may seem impossible, but it surprisingly works. I have found that when I dwell on what frustrates me in a relationship, I get frustrated (of course). When I view it as an opportunity to grow or to impact the work environment, I find that I am more energized and positive. I find that I don’t have the space for toxic people. Like turning on a light in a dark room, the decision to be positive in a noxious environment drowns out the negativity.
As I have mentioned before, “you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with” (Jim Rohn). So, take care with whom you spend your time. Choose your friends wisely. Your college drinking buddies might not be the best for you at the present stage in your life—sometimes we simply outgrow the people in our lives. This does not mean we completely sever relationships. It just means we weigh our options. The principle of “opportunity cost” applies. In the limited time we have to spend with others, consider who supports your mission and shares your values.
If you are struggling in your relationship with your spouse or partner, fix it! While there are certainly circumstances in which such relationships are so toxic that it is best to walk away, but where it is possible (and, in most situations, it is) work at it. Invest the time to bring health to these relationships. This is possible your most critical member of your “team of five.” If you are working on a growth plan and seeking to be “well-centered”, I suspect you already recognize this and have made this relationship a priority.
Find a mastermind group and/or mentors to help guide and motivate you. Surround yourself with people who will stretch you—who will push you beyond your comfort zone. One of the best things I have done in the past year (and ask my wife, if you want confirmation) was to become part of a mastermind group and participate in a Fundamentals of High Performance cohort led by Coyte Cooper (www.coytecooper.com; Make Your Mark). In addition, I determined to reach out to colleagues on campus to be mentored and be accountable. I meet regularly with people who encourage me and act as a sounding board. It has had tremendous benefit to my attitude and effectiveness.
Create a positive space around you. A soothing paint job. Inspiring art and quotations. A functional work space. All these can make you more effective and positive. Make your space productive and free of distractions.
Music is a great motivator. Music sets the mood. Surround your sound space with music that uplifts and inspires. Avoid negative and dispiriting music selections. Music should lift your attitude.
Eliminate the clutter in your life. Get rid of the clutter in your living space, as well as work space. In addition, get rid of the clutter in you time. Examine your use of technology. How are you using (misusing) social media, e-mail, televisions, etc. Remember: “opportunity cost”? Whatever you are doing that is not productive toward your goal is at the cost of doing what will help you achieve your goal. Eliminate it!
Plan your time. Schedule your day. Be sure to make time for the most significant things in your life. Prioritize what you value and what is consistent with your mission. Plan your day to include room for your Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Social “well-centeredness”.
Approach your circumstances as opportunities. It will open the gates of gratitude. As I have written before, when we recognize the opportunity before us, we are able to express gratitude for the positions in which we find ourselves. Gratitude drives our negativity and pessimism. The void is then filled to optimism and hopefulness. My friend, Coach Andy Lausier, calls this “going from have to get.” In other words, we go from thinking “I have to…” to “I get to…”. It is a freeing attitude.
Create your “environment of excellence” and carpe momento!
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.