We have all heard the saying “who you surround yourself with is ultimately who you become”. Surround yourself with people who are ambitious and have vision and you will be inspired to have ambition and vision. Surround yourself with people who are doing the same thing everyday without intention and purpose and you will probably find yourself in the same position. But, that’s not what we are talking about today. Today we are talking about what are you contributing to those around you?

The last few months have taught me more than ever how important community is. Not just in training but in life. I look at the people around me each with their own strengths and goals and am completely inspired by them and it really has forced me to pause and think “am I giving them the same inspiration and push?”

One of my favorite bible verses when talking about community is Proverbs 27:17, ”As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” It’s a reminder that relationships are meant to be mutually beneficial. It’s easy to selfishly think ”what is in this for me?” Or ”what can I expect to receive out of this connection?” but, we conveniently forget that we also need to be sharpening those around us. I love how George puts it ”are you a life sucker or a life giver” – simply meaning are you sucking the life out of those around you or are you speaking life into them?

I encourage you to evaluate not only your relationships and those around you to affirm that they are aligned with your values and goals but that you also are contributing into their lives on a radical scale. The more we frame our mindset from ourselves and seek how to pursue and encourage others the more fulfilling life will be. Be someone that attracts people, builds community without fear, relentlessly shows acceptance and sharpens those around you.