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

So, you want to be more productive at the end of the day! We all do -- but how do you actually get more done? And better yet, how do you stay focused on completing what's most important? 

These are vital questions to answer, especially if you aim to achieve success, build a legacy, and honestly feel good about yourself at the end of the day. 

Over the next few weeks, I'm going to share with you four key environments you can optimize to begin eliminating procrastination and staying focused on what matters most. 

The first environment is your people environment. 

Did you know that WHO you spend your time with matters?  

It matters because you become like those in your inner circle. Attitudes are contagious, and you pick up mindsets from your peers.

Jim Rohn famously asserted that you become the combined average of the five people you hang around the most. Think of your top 5 right now.

How many in your top five are highly productive people? Do they work to get things done -- and done well? Are you elevated by the company you keep, or do they demotivate you and get you stuck? Do they stimulate or stifle your growth?

What if you sought out people you wanted to emulate -- and spent time with them?  

  • Invite them to coffee or chat with them over zoom.  

  • Pay for their time if need be to begin learning their habits.  

  • Ask them about what keeps them personally motivated.  

  • Discover their productivity secrets. 

Are there people in your life who drag you down or waste your time?  

  • Limit time spent with detractors.

  • Time-box or eliminate their drain on your life. 

  • Any time spent with a detractor is time away from those who motivate you to get things done -- or the tasks that need to completing. 

You become the combined average of the five people you hang around with most.  

What needs to change in your people environment so you can become more productive? 

One key "people environment" enhancement is to enlist a peak performance partner or a raving fan. This is someone who will motivate you and cheer you on toward your goals. Never underestimate the power of having someone in your life who is bent on your success!  

Once you find that raving fan or peak performance partner -- use their time wisely. I have a framework of questions that I use -- that I want to pass along to you as well. Feel free to use them to maximize your time. 

  1. How do I show up to you? 

  2. What are my strengths?

  3. Where can I improve?

  4. Where do you think I sabotage myself?

  5. What's the one thing I could stop doing that could benefit me the most?

Once you unleash these questions, prepare to listen and take good notes. These answers are "gifts" to you -- and will be full of insight that you can use for weeks to come to continue to improve yourself. 

I'll ask you again -- who are the five people you hang out with the most? Remember, you become like them. 

And if you become like the five people you hang out with the most -- how can you begin hanging out with people who will help maximize your productivity and potential?

Take these steps and begin optimizing your people environment today. 

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Bill Cox

Bill is a credentialed and experienced Executive Coach. He has spent the last 20 years coaching thousands of leaders. Bill has a passion for helping leaders get to the next level and live intentional lives of influence. As a speaker, coach, and author, Bill places exceptional value on empowering leaders to thrive professionally and personally. Bill and his wife, Moey, reside in Pennsylvania, where they experience exceeding pleasure watching their son, Joel, grow into a modern-day knight.