The 5 People You Should Spend Time With

"You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with."

-Jim Rohn

If you've spent any sort of time with me in 2012 I'm sure you've heard me mention this quote. 

When I first heard of this concept, I thought, "No way! I choose who I am a reflection of!" And while this could be true for some people who consciously choose their thoughts and actions... unconsciously, we are mirror images of the 5 people we spend the most time with.

Who is influencing you?

Self exploration can be a scary process. But are you aware of who you are to the core or controversially, who you WANT to be? Make a list of who you are at your very best. Even go so far as to dream up the perfect version of 'YOU.' Next, ask yourself who you spend the most time with. Make another list. Compare the two lists and consider who these people are in comparison to who you want to be and you'll have a pretty good idea where you currently stand.

Now for the hard part...

Is it time to do some personal spring cleaning? No one likes boundaries, and if you're in a position where you might need to separate yourself from someone, its bound to hurt at some point. The idea is to acknowledge the feelings of discomfort and practice actively pursuing the person you want to become regardless of how it makes other people feel.

YOU are number one.

Happiness isn't a wheel that needs reinvention..

Now that you've cleaned house, find people to fill in the gaps. Actively search for people who you aspire to be like and put them in your top five. Who has qualities that you admire
? Who has the things in life and the outlook that you desire? If becoming friends with Brian Tracy or Ali Brown seems like a reach... Do what you can to model their steps to success. Why start from scratch in self improvement when there are countless individuals out there who have mastered it already?

Happy Cleaning :)

Ditch the Junk, Sugar and Salt Free Marinade

This is a great "Junk-free" way to flavor white meats. I've found that Cod, Tilapia or Orange Roughy really pair well because they are so mild.... Chicken is always an easy option!

1 packet Citrus flavored Crystal Lite

1/2 Apple Cider Vinegar

1/2 Water

Crushed Garlic

Cayenne Pepper

Dill 

Put ingredients in a large ZipLock bag and mix well. Next add your chicken or fish and make sure each piece is well covered and let it sit (marinate) for an hour or so then cook away!

(Thank you DD for teaching this to me last year during contest prep... You rock!)