Who do you want to be like when you grow up?  I wish I was asked this question at a young age instead of the more popular “what do you want to do when you grow up?”  I can name plenty of people who inspire and set an example for me, but naming one job I would be happy doing for the rest of my life is a difficult task.

Find Direction

Figuring out which direction to take in life is hard, but becomes easier when you surround yourself with the right people. Dory from Finding Nemo is a great example of this. Though easily confused and lacking a sense of direction, she encircled herself with sea creatures who were willing and able to help her find her way.

A couple of years ago, I learned a principle from a mentor of mine that has helped me find those that can help me succeed. He told me that “if you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.” From this I’ve learned that if you know more than everyone you hang out with, you gain nothing from hanging with them.

Find the Eagles

This same mentor depicts this same principle using two types of birds: a turkey and an eagle. The turkey is flightless, aimless, and is preyed upon. The turkey isn’t the smartest bird in the bunch. For example, when it rains, they turn their beaks to the sky and drown. On the other end of the spectrum is the eagle. These strong birds soar high above the others, lead the way, and are the birds you want to flock with.

When I learned the difference between these two birds, I decided I wanted to be like an Eagle but quickly realized I needed to drop the two turkeys that were in my life. Although hard at first, my friends understood my decision to move on and began to follow suit by dropping the turkeys in their own lives. In a way, I was a trendsetter. As I chose to hang out with more eagles, I realized that these people built me up, made me feel good, and were role models for my life.

Find the Future

In 1, 5, 10 years, where will you be, and who will you be standing with? The relationships you choose to have today mold you a little bit each day.  Choose wisely, because it’s your choice to make.  You control your future.  You may not have a defined path to walk on or swim down, but if you surround yourself with those who build you up and make you stronger, you will find what you are looking for and get to where you want to go.

Remember, if find those eagles you want to be like and seek after new ones each day you’ll soar through life.

“Birds of a feather flock together, and flocking together makes birds of a feather.  Be careful whom you flock with.”

—Steven J. Anderson

Written by Timmy Conlin