If you want to build something substantial, you don't start on shaky ground?you start with a solid foundation. Same with people. Your growth depends on the foundation you're standing on.
That's the heart of John Maxwell's Law of Environment: Growth thrives in conducive surroundings.
The Company You Keep
In my book, 7 Life Lessons from the Trailer Park, I wrote about the danger of surrounding yourself with people who have no purpose, no dreams, and no ambition. You might think you're immune, but the truth is: attitudes rub off.
"Don't let people pull you into the life of mediocrity. Your growth is a reminder to them of what they could have been."
I lived that. Growing up, plenty of folks around me were content with average?average jobs, average houses, average thinking. And when you try to push higher, it unsettles them. They'll try to drag you back, not because you can't succeed, but because your growth shines a light on their excuses.
The foundation you choose matters.
Why Environment Shapes Growth
Your environment sets the ceiling on your growth. When you're around people who challenge you, encourage you, and push you, you rise. When you're stuck in a circle that drains you, doubts you, or mocks your dreams, you shrink.
Think about it:
- Energy is contagious. Surround yourself with people who have vision, and you'll catch some of it. Hang around complainers, and you'll start whining too.
- Standards are contagious. Surround yourself with excellence, and mediocrity will bother you. Surround yourself with mediocrity, and excellence will feel unnecessary.
- Belief is contagious. People who believe in you make you braver. People who doubt you make you smaller.
If you want to grow, check your foundation.
My Shift in Foundation
There came a point when I had to distance myself from certain people. It wasn't about arrogance?it was about survival. If I stayed in the same circles, I'd end up stuck in the same cycles.
The Marines gave me a different foundation. Discipline, drive, and teamwork were non-negotiable. That shift forced me to grow in ways I never could have in the trailer park. Same me, different foundation?and the results were night and day.
You don't have to join the Marines to change your foundation, but you do have to make choices about who gets your time and attention.
Create a Growth Environment
So how do you build an environment that fuels your growth?
- Audit your circle. Who lifts you up? Who drags you down? Spend more time with the lifters.
- Find a growth community. Join groups, masterminds, or clubs that stretch your thinking.
- Set the tone at home. Fill your space with books, podcasts, and conversations that inspire.
- Set the tone. Don't just adjust to the room?change it.
Growth depends on your foundation. If it's solid, you'll rise. If it's weak, you'll crumble.
Make It Count
If your foundation is shaky, it's time to rebuild. That might mean new friends, new mentors, or even new routines.
Because you can't grow to your full potential standing on a foundation that holds you back.
So check it. And if it's cracked, fix it?or move.
? Next week: Law #7 ? The Law of Design: To Maximize Growth, Develop Strategies.