While loving yourself for who you are today is there something in your life you want to change? The following are two life-changing habits which will take you to the next level teed up by Charlie “Tremendous” Jones,
“You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read.”
Habit 1 – People You Meet
Find a Mentor. Four years ago I took this teaching to heart. I carefully considered a mentor and reached out to him. He has (and does) bless my life ever since, including helping me become a better writer of this blog.
Intentionally Select Friends. Nearly two years ago I moved my family into a new neighborhood. We were delighted by the new friends we made at church, including being invited to a regular game night with some of the couples our age. Many, many laughs and shared experiences later we’re still enjoying life and supporting each other.
Volunteer. I volunteer as a youth advisor. The young men are bright and energetic. Recently we had a game night. As the oldest of the group neared graduation, I had the privilege of writing a scholarship letter of recommendation. He is an impressive guy and will do great things in the future.
Habit 2 – Books You Read
As you look into your future, who do you most want to be like? Consider reading or listening to biographies of historical giants. They overcame great obstacles and you will too! You’ll find patterns you can follow to be more like your heroes. For example, as a father of two pre-teens, I’m interested in connecting intellectually every day on interesting topics with my kids. Daily family dinner is a way to do this. Benjamin Franklin’s father Josiah “liked to have, as often as he could, some sensible friend or neighbor to converse with, and always took care to start some ingenious or useful topic for discourse which might tend to improve the minds of his children.”1
Other than biographies, consider borrowing a book from the library on a topic you’re passionate about. As you read this book you’ll find other interesting authors and sub-topics which you can then explore.
Pro Tip:
Be intentional about the people you surround yourself with and the books you read.
Who do you most admire?
What book has influenced your life the most?
Leave a comment.
- Isaacson, Walter. Benjamin Franklin: An American Life. 17.
You-Thrive.net 