Famous Quotes

Seeking Out Quality People

It is important to align yourself with what I call OQP, Only Quality People.
You should endeavor to surround yourself only with people who will enrich
and empower you, people who will enable you to transcend yourself and to
grow.

This sort of support group, your pit crew for progress in your life, can
strengthen you in moments of weakness and bring you up when you are down.

Surround yourself with people who share your vision and who also are willing
to support you in pursuing that vision. You cannot make it alone in this
journey.

If you find relationships that are not mutually constructive, if someone
brings you down rather than challenges and elevates you, then you must make
a decision. Can you transform this into a healthy relationship or do you
need to sever it?

That does not mean of course that all of the people around you should be
your yes-men. You will never grow if you are surrounded by backslapping
sycophants.

Although I hate being criticized by friends, I do have some trusted critics.
These are people who tell me the things I need to hear. I trust their
judgment, I trust their vision of me. They challenge me and make me stretch
mentally and intellectually, personally and spiritually.

I get feedback from them that I would not get anywhere else and even though
it doesn't always feel good to hear their criticisms and challenges, I know
they care about me and about my growth. So I listen and learn.

We all need someone to coach us now and then. We cannot grow in a vacuum. We
have to be willing to seek out those with wisdom and say, "I don't know what
to do; help me."

The fighter and philosopher, "Smokin' Joe" Frazier, said, "All of us are
like the blind man at some point in our lives, standing on the corner,
waiting for someone to lead us across."

You are not joined at the hip with your friends. Be prepared to acknowledge
when a relationship has soured and to go your separate way. It does not have
to be an angry parting. Just say, "Look here, we are growing in different
directions. Our values have changed. Our goals and objectives are different
now. Maybe we need to shake hands and say good-bye."

Being able to break away from toxic friendships can make the difference
between living your dreams or living a nightmare.

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Written by Les Brown - As a renowned professional speaker, author and
television personality, Les Brown has risen to national prominence by
delivering a high energy message which tells people how to shake off
mediocrity and live up to their greatness. Visit his web site at
<http://www.lesbrown.com/>