Live Like the Honey Badger: Principle 3

This is the third in a series of posts entitled, Live Like the Honey Badger. Every Friday, I address one aspect of developing confidence, self-worth, a fearless nature and the like. Previous weeks are linked below.

Principle 1: Honey Badger Don't Care
Principle 2: Accept Yourself. Your Whole Self

Principle 3: Surround Yourself With Honey Badgers

Last time I checked, we live in a social world. Everyday, we interact with hundreds, if not thousands, of people, both face-to-face and virtually. And each of these interactions has an effect on how we live our lives. Think about it.

• Maybe you hold yourself back because someone tells you that, "You can't" or "Your idea is stupid."
• Maybe you don't take a chance because you are afraid of what others might think if you fail. 
• Maybe you have always been told that you aren't enough and it paralyzes you completely.

Do you see what all of those scenarios have in common?

NEGATIVITY.

Negativity is contagious. It grabs you by your doubt and sucks you in and if you are surrounded by it for long enough, it can be hard to escape.

If your peers are negative, chances are you will be negative. If your peers are unhealthy, chances are you will be unhealthy. If your peers are stagnant, chances are you will be stagnant too. Over time, we become our peer groups. But, it doesn't have to hold you back. Let me use myself as an example.

As a teen, I was overweight. And so were my friends. We fostered each others negative behaviors. We chose eating out over eating healthy and movie nights over workout sessions. Then, when I decided to make a change, I found myself drifting from those people, maybe intentionally, maybe not. And as I drifted, I formed new connections with people who supported, agreed with or shared my passion for health and fitness. And now, I am surrounded (both virtually and in real life) with individuals who "get me" and what I am trying to do. They understand why I would want to be an Ironman or be a vegetarian, even if they don't aspire to do the same. They understand that my choices are intended to improve the quality of life for me and my whole family. They see the big picture.

Sure, there have been speed bumps along the way. I've encountered people who I thought were there for me, but their negativity was too great to overcome. So, I've left them behind and I'm better for it. It hasn't always been easy, but every struggle has been worth it.

If we are a reflection of the people in our lives, then we need to surround ourselves with people who we can aspire to be like, people who won't belittle our dreams to make themselves feel better, people who will cheer us on and support us regardless of how farfetched our plans may be. Rid yourself of the negativity in your life. It's getting you nowhere.

Long story short, if you want to be a Honey Badger, you need to surround yourself with Honey Badgers.