We’ve heard it all.

“You’re the average of your five closest friends” or “Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future” For some, this statement can be scary, and they may be reconsidering their friend choices. When we were younger we heard our parents say, “That friend is a bad influence on you.” Although at the time, it was frustrating to hear that about your new bestie, your parents were often right.

As humans we desire connecting with others. We easily bond with others based on shared experiences. It may be past experiences that are relatable or future experiences that are a result of that relational influence. Lifelong best friends, temporary relationships and even strangers have a massive influence on the person you become.

Maybe an author wrote a book that changed your perspective. Maybe you only eat soup on cold, stormy days because that’s what your mom prepared when you were little. Maybe you tie your shoes funny because your childhood best friend showed you how. Who or what has influenced who you are today?

As human beings, we are easily influenced and swayed by our personal experiences. It’s as if who we become, the personality, our likes and dislikes, are little, short films of all the people and experiences you’ve had merged together to make a movie titled “you”.

You will be influenced by people, why not choose people who will benefit you? Surround yourself with others who will naturally challenge you to be better. A workplace of high accountability. A coworker you carpool with who goes to the gym every morning. A book club. A running club. A networking group.

Few people desire hardship. How else would you improve if you were never questioned? If you were never challenged? Mediocrity is everywhere. A culture of excellence is when being extraordinary is not the exception it’s the expectation.

A culture of excellence forms when an organization is being pushed professionally and personally. From income goals to health goals and everything in-between. Challenging goals are being created and executed.  There are no longer lofty dreams that will never be achieved. A culture of excellence is when high accountability is the norm. It is when the fear of failing turns into the fear of mediocrity. Instead of seeking praise, a culture of excellence seeks useful criticism because improving by just one percent is that much more satisfying.

Who are you allowing to influence your daily life? Who is helping you strive for excellence in all that you do?