I actually posted this once before, but now that I seem to have drummed up a bit of traffic with a former presidential candidate, I'm interested in hearing what you guys think about it: are these rules about your relationships a little harsh? As my internship draws to an end (just two more weeks, guys), I've been thinking a lot about networking vs. just making friends, and although I haven't made a whole lot of distinction between the two up till now, as the Real Working World and the need to get employment connections draws ever closer, I'm thinking I should start being more purposeful about that.
On the one hand...I don't want to be a snob. Or have friends who are all just like me. Ew.
On the other hand...I can pretty clearly identify certain stages of maturity in my life based on who I hung out with at the time. So this is certainly important to consider.
I'll admit, I've always had to struggle to defend my independence, or to say "no" to people that I want to like me (which, I must admit, is pretty much everyone). The people in my life are more important to me than just about anything, and the possibility of disappointing or alienating them always makes me a little scared. So I have a bit of an issue with the tone Mr. Powell is striking here (even though some of this is very good, very true advice). What do YOU think?
On the one hand...I don't want to be a snob. Or have friends who are all just like me. Ew.
On the other hand...I can pretty clearly identify certain stages of maturity in my life based on who I hung out with at the time. So this is certainly important to consider.
I'll admit, I've always had to struggle to defend my independence, or to say "no" to people that I want to like me (which, I must admit, is pretty much everyone). The people in my life are more important to me than just about anything, and the possibility of disappointing or alienating them always makes me a little scared. So I have a bit of an issue with the tone Mr. Powell is striking here (even though some of this is very good, very true advice). What do YOU think?
SOLID WORDS FROM COLIN POWELL
The less you associate with some people, the more your life will improve.
Any time you tolerate mediocrity in others, it increases your mediocrity.
An important attribute in successful people is their impatience with negative thinking and negative acting people.
As you grow, your associates will change.
Some of your friends will not want you to go on.
They will want you to stay where they are.
Friends that don't help you climb will want you to crawl.
Your friends will stretch your vision or choke your dream. Those that don't increase you will eventually decrease you.
Never receive counsel from unproductive people.
Never discuss your problems with someone incapable of contributing to the solution, because those who never succeed themselves are always first to tell you how.
Not everyone has a right to speak into your life.
You are certain to get the worst of the bargain when you exchange ideas with the wrong person.
Don't follow anyone who's not going anywhere.
With some people you spend an evening: with others you invest it.
Be careful where you stop to inquire for directions along the road of life.
Wise is the person who fortifies his life with the right friendships.
A mirror reflects a man's face, but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses.
The simple but true fact of life is that you become like those with whom you closely associate - for the good and the bad.
In Prosperity Our Friends Know Us. In Adversity We Know Our Friends.
This is applicable to family as well as friends.
Do love, appreciate and be thankful for your family, for they will always be your family no matter what.
Just know that they are human first and though they are family to you, they may be a friend to someone else and will fit somewhere in the criteria above.
Never make someone a priority when you are only an option for them.
If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude.
Do love, appreciate and be thankful for your family, for they will always be your family no matter what.
Just know that they are human first and though they are family to you, they may be a friend to someone else and will fit somewhere in the criteria above.
Never make someone a priority when you are only an option for them.
If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude.
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