How Friends Can Inspire Each Other To Succeed

You are the average of the five people you spend most of your time with. – Jim Rohn

So, choose wisely.

Enough said… But I’m not going to let you off the hook that easily!

You see, a couple days ago, my family received a mysterious package…

Now, in this package was no mere material goods of predictable quantitative value. In fact, what was inside this box was a dream. Yes, you heard me right, a dream in a box. Mmm. That’s deep.

Not making much sense? Well, allow me to explain…

A couple years ago, my family had the pleasure of meeting another family who we actually met online. Fancy that! But you must know that this was no ordinary family. This was a super-family of sorts, and they were (and still are) really into the outdoors. Like, a lot.

My wife and I have always enjoyed a little outdoor adventure – taking hiking, camping, and kayaking trips, but these guys took it to a whole new level and inspired us to do the same.

Over the last two years, we’ve shared many adventures with these fun-lovin’ folks, and yes, in real life. Don’t believe me? Well, bang, kapow, and SHAZZAM! Those are links to a few of our adventures together. I know, not very descriptive hyperlinks.

As I was saying, these are some very inspiring people because they literally spend a day or weekend outdoors every single week. And I’m not just talking about using a pop-up trailer or even car camping for that matter (that’s not true camping, by the way). I’m talking about back-country backpacking. Yes, where you carry everything you need – on your back. That may not sound enough to impress, but you should know that they have THREE KIDS! And these kids aren’t in their 20’s either. They’re not even teenagers yet. They are truly, kids.

And yet, they still get out every single week as a family, and this is inspiring to me, to say the least.

So, you’re probably wondering what was in the package.

Voilà!

It’s a Nemo “Pentalite” pyramid-style, ultralight backpacking tent (with “wedge” accessory). Yep. That’s an eency-weency bit nicer than our Coleman tent. And yes, it is family-sized. Technically, you’re only supposed to be able to fit four in the tent, and one more under the vestibule. But I think five adults could sleep comfortably assuming you don’t have a ton of gear to stow. Of course, some people didn’t believe it, and you know me. I always need to have the last word!

So, there you have it. Proof that a family of five can enjoy ultralight backpacking – something that goes completely against conventional thought. We figure that we’ll be able to fit three kids in this tent until they’re old enough to want their own. The dog can sleep under the vestibule, which sounds like “vegetable” if you say it five times fast with a slur.

Back on target! Why am I sharing this with you? Well, for two reasons actually.

1) To publicly thank the Tougas family for investing in our dream to raise a family that regularly pursues outdoor adventure.

2) To show you that investing in the right relationships will usually bring you closer to your goals (this is especially true of physical and/or fitness goals). Like I said: choose wisely. If you find someone who believes in you and your dreams, hang onto them, and believe in their dreams, too. Likewise, be wary of people who tear you down and refuse to believe in your potential. The vision you have for your life will be directly affected by the vision’s contained in your circle of family and friends.

Final Words

It’s one thing to tell someone that you believe in them. It’s quite another to put your money where your mouth is, and prove to them that you believe they can achieve great things. For people with a health and fitness goal, it can be as simple as buying them some cool workout gear that they would be excited to use or wear, or better yet, inviting them out for some physical excursion. Keep in mind that the message you convey is more important than the medium you choose. Said another way, just the token of your confidence will be enough to inspire them – whether you buy them a tropical vacation to get in shape for, or just a new pair of workout shorts.

You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. – Jim Rohn

The opposite of that phrase is also true. Your five closest friends are, at least partially, an average of you. In fact, you are rubbing off on your family and friends whether you want to or not. So, for every time you are not succeeding, you’re also holding others back. On the flip side, every time you are positive and encouraging, you are projecting that on others as well. So, take it upon yourself to be the best YOU possible, so they can be the best they can be, too. I know it’s cliché, but it’s the truth.

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CST, CST-KS, NSCA-CPT
Health-First Fitness Coach