Connect to the right people!  Too often we find ourselves in relationships that drain the very life out of us.  People are either “lifters” or “downers”.  It’s alright, and even charitable, to have a “downer” or two in your life to whom you can serve as a “lifter”.  Don’t have too many however or they will drain you dry and suck the life right out of you.  On the other hand, you can’t have too many “lifters” in your life.  They bring you joy, purpose, encouragement and fulfillment because they not only help you to be better but they complete you with complimentary gifts and abilities.

Solomon wrote this wise observation in Proverbs 18:24 “A man of too many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” 

Be intentional about developing friendships.  You will most likely end up being like those you hang around.  The “friend who sticks closer than a brother” is the kind of friend you want.  Don’t try to just collect a lot of friends who are so “casual” that they have no commitment to your wellbeing and development.  A good friend will see to it that you are living at your fullest potential and getting the best out of life.  Be sure to avoid the “wrong” people, be careful with just “any” people, but be intentional about connecting to the “right” people.  They will make all the difference in your life, and you in theirs.

As a leader, you are not complete until you have the right people around you who complete you with their gifts and abilities.  You cannot reach success without enlisting the help of the “right people.”  Invest in relationships today that make both you and them better.  The return on your investment will contribute to your success.

“The making of friends, who are real friends, is the best token we have of a man’s success in life.”  ~ Edward Everett Hale