I believe that if you want to get somewhere in life, you need to talk to the people who have already been there. I make it a point to talk to people who have done what I want to do and who have done it well. The only benefit of talking to people who have failed at it is to learn what not to do. I try not to open myself up to others’ negativity and allow it to stain my enthusiasm. Someone else’s feelings about something and your possibilities is directly correlated to their own beliefs and accomplishments. This means that if they weren’t able to do it, they may tell you that you aren’t able to do it. You should surround yourself with people who think you can do anything, because the truth is that you can.

“I am no greater than my thoughts”- Bishop T.D. Jakes

Unfortunately, before you become aware that you have to choose your “growth supporters” (as I like to call them), you will be surrounded by people that won’t support your growth. Growth scares the people around you, because they will either have to choose to grow with you or to let you grow. People don’t like that. They would prefer for you to stay where you are so they don’t have to think about what they are not accomplishing in their own life. If you don’t see the actions that way, you can be fooled into believing that you are doing the right thing by staying comfortable and certain.

“You are where you are through the thoughts that you think. The difference between the CEO and the janitor is what he thinks. The difference in the status and the income and the accomplishments is in the thoughts that they think.” – Bishop T.D. Jakes

I’ve noticed in listening to interviews that some of the most successful people are doing something they love. They take their purpose and find a way to make money from it. They say that if you find something you love that you’ll never work a day in your life because it will never feel like work. Many people are afraid to find the thing that they love. We get so good at telling ourselves that what we love doesn’t matter or we can’t have what we love. The truth is that love is our purpose. It is to love, to be love and do what we love. As long as you are doing anything else, you are out of alignment with your purpose as a human being.

Another common theme I’ve noticed among top celebrities, directors and other successful people is that they say: “I always knew that I could do this. I had this vision of myself doing this.” I’ve realized that this is the key to success. You have to have an unwavering vision of yourself accomplishing the dream or thing that you want. The Universe may test you and it may take time, but if you can develop a vision and hold on to it despite all opposition you can realize it. You have to feel it in your body and know it in your heart. If you can do those things, you can transform your life. You have the ability to do anything, but you will only accomplish what you THINK you can. The key to living the life that you are meant to live is to realize that your journey is your own. You have to be self-approved and surround yourself with people who support your growth. You must nurture your thoughts for they create your reality.