We've all heard the many adages about the influence of others on ourselves. "You are who you hang around", "You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with", and others like these are constant reminders that we should be careful about our environment and the people in it. During this time of self-quarantine and social distancing, who are you spending you time with? Who are the 5 people influencing you daily?

All high performers know that people want you to rise to their level, they don't want to have to rise to yours. As you look at the list of people who you are speaking to, hosting Zoom meetings with, messaging and emailing, what do you see? Do you see other high performers who are challenging you to keep reaching higher? Do you see them crushing goals and inviting you along? Or do you see your friends and colleagues wallowing in sorrow over the loss of what used to be? If you see the latter, it's time to change your scenery!

In my coaching groups and my client list, I have other high performers who have taken this moment in time to jump start their goals. They've doubled down on their efforts to improve themselves and are excited about this opportunity. These are highly successful go-getters, who may be working from home, homeschooling kids and doing it all from their closet so that they can find some peace and quiet. They still get up and get moving first thing in the morning. Their lists are growing by the minute. They have found new and creative ways to exercise from home and don't miss a single workout. If you're struggling, these are the people you need in your top 5.

How do you refine your top 5? 

• Go where other high performers go – find Facebook groups, networking groups and clubs and join them

• Do what other high performers do – read, listen to and follow authors who speak about self-improvement and growth

• Seek out a coach or mentor – the most successful athletes and people all have a coach who holds them accountable and pushes them to their limits

It should be obvious to you that if you stay where you are, you’ll stay where you are. If you seek out opportunities to take yourself to the next level, you’ll reach those goals you’ve set. You have the unique ability to affect change on your life. You are in charge of how your body and life look, forever. 

The easy thing, the lazy thing, is to slip into contentment and complacency. Up level your surroundings and your focus! Change the 5 people around you right now, today. Find new people, people who challenge you, make you a little uncomfortable or envious, and then spend as much time in their presence as you can.