I’m writing this after getting off the phone with my cousin. He was talking about joining a few writer’s groups, which I think is a great idea. I’ve recently been thinking a lot about the importance of such groups and surrounding yourself with like-minded people.
Equally important, is guarding yourself against people who dampen your creativity and passion and big thinking. I truly believe that I can make a significant, positive impact on many people’s lives as long as I’m here on Earth; I can help make the world a better place. I believe, that when I die, the world will be better off for my having been here.
That’s how I feel. That’s what I work towards.
And recently I’ve been realizing that I need to surround myself with more people who feel the same way about themselves. There’s huge power in a group of like-minded people coming together, working together, encouraging one another. Many of my friends, as much as I love them, are content with settling for mediocrity. That’s all well and good if it makes them happy, but it doesn’t always serve me or my lofty goals well to be around them.
To quote Marianne Williamson:
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world.
Now I’m not about to ditch a bunch of my friends because they can’t help me achieve what I want to achieve. They’re good people with good hearts who I often enjoy being around. (Plus, I realize friendship is a two-way street, not solely about what I can get from it.)
What I do need to do though, is find a better balance. I need to be around more of those big-thinking people who believe they can change the world. Because they’re precisely the ones who will, and I want to be right there with them.
Great Post Niall,
Could not have said it better. The more people who I am around who stretch me and who give me higher aspirations to model, the better person I can become. Let’s get together for coffee or Croissants at Croissant D’ Or.
David
Thanks, David. I hoped that this post would cause some unambitious friends to fade into the background while new ambitious friends emerged. Seems to be happening already
Niall,
I received the link to this post via facebook and Chris Wiseman. I too have a passion for creativity, thinking big, and making the world a better place, so please include me in future communication.
I live in Pullman, WA, but come to NOLA on occasion because I have family there and I am doing research there for my dissertation. The beauty of having big ambitions these days is that we are not limited by time and space in forming a group of like-minded people.
Here’s to being “powerful beyond measure.”
Gail Gleason
Thanks for the comment, Gail. Let’s connect on Facebook, and let me know when you’re coming to NOLA again.
Hi Gail,
Let me know also; I provide the “Best Taxi Driver Services in New Orleans” Since leaving the MossyBack state 50 years ago.
David
http://www.facebook.com/davidgcarpenter
http://www.twitter.com/davidgcarpenter
Good post Niall. I have found your blog reaffirms what I am trying to do with myself–and helps me to not feel funny going for something bigger.
I’m glad it helps, Catherine. Keep pushing the boundaries and they’ll keep expanding. Since I first posted this, I’ve been able to surround myself more with supportive, like-minded people. It’s really helping me get after what I want.