You are who you surround yourself with
This is the story of an inspiring conversation
Have you ever thought about how much the people you surround yourself with impact your life?
Last week, I took a long weekend to travel to Madrid, attend a music festival, and visit some friends. It turned out to be a profound experience that inspired me to write about this topic.
An inspiring conversation
Fabian is an old friend I hadn’t seen in years. He’s one of those people with whom, no matter how long you’ve been apart, it feels like it was just yesterday when you reunite. We managed to meet for a beer, and as we reminisced and shared our recent experiences, I told him about my journey into solopreneurship.
He listened intently, absorbing the enthusiasm and passion in my voice. I could see in his eyes how much I was inspiring him, something that, interestingly enough, excites me.
At some point, he said something that stuck with me: "You are who you surround yourself with." He's a few years older than me, has a child, and has always worked for others. Even though he's always been curious about striking out on his own, he realized he’s never been close to people who managed to do it.
It’s not that I didn’t know this statement. I’m well aware of it. But it was a powerful reminder. I realized my confidence as a solopreneur didn’t start when I joined an entrepreneurship program, but probably earlier when I began surrounding myself with other entrepreneurs.
These like-minded individuals, all driven by their own ambitions, gave me the courage to take the next steps.
Inspiration beyond business
Although Fabian isn’t entirely happy with his career path, his other ambition is flourishing. He’s also a musician, and one of the updates he shared with me was that he’s about to play a gig supporting a very famous band he’s a fan of.
Reflecting on it, this achievement was also about surrounding himself with the right people. Some time ago, he decided he wanted to play music again after taking a break. Soon enough, a friend called him to do a few gigs with his band. Fabian said yes and made it work with the rest of his life—work, family, commitments.
One day, this same friend told him that he had secured this very important gig and wanted Fabian to be part of it.
Funnily enough, before meeting Fabian, I reunited with another friend—the singer from the last band I played in. She was performing an acoustic set, and as I listened to her incredible voice, I was transported back to our days on stage together.
Those times were magical, filled with creativity, learning, and a shared passion for music. I miss them sometimes.
Playing in that band was a transformative experience for me, and Fabian’s words highlighted this. I improved my playing skills immensely because I was surrounded by talented musicians who pushed me to play better. Their experience and ambition inspired me to see myself as a true musician.
To become who you want to be, you need to surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you. Whether it's in business or any other area of life, the right circle can make all the difference.
Finding the right people and connecting with other entrepreneurs
I know this is easier said than done, especially in the times we’re living in.
So, if you struggle to meet the right people or you don’t have enough entrepreneurs in your life to inspire you and push you to take that much-needed step towards entrepreneurship, here are some tips to find them:
🌐 Join Groups and Communities: Look for local or online groups related to your interests or field. Whether it’s an entrepreneurship program, a hobby club, or a professional network, these communities can be goldmines for meeting inspiring individuals.
🎟️ Attend Events and Conferences: Events are great places to meet like-minded people. Be proactive in introducing yourself and sharing your passion. You never know who you might connect with.
🧓 Seek Out Mentors: Find people who have achieved what you aspire to. They can offer invaluable guidance and introduce you to a broader network.
🏢 Coworking Spaces: These are hubs for entrepreneurs and freelancers. They often host networking events and provide a collaborative environment to meet other driven individuals.
🚀 Startup Incubators and Accelerators: These programs are designed to support new businesses and are filled with aspiring entrepreneurs. They offer mentorship, resources, and a strong sense of community.
📅 Entrepreneurship Meetups: Websites like Meetup.com often have local groups for entrepreneurs. These meetups can be excellent opportunities to share experiences and learn from others.
🤝 Collaborate on Projects: Working on joint ventures or projects with other entrepreneurs can foster deep and productive relationships.
Remember, the journey to becoming who you want to be is enriched by those you travel with.
Until next time, surround yourself with people who inspire, challenge, and support you (and get rid of those who push you down)!
-Sabrina
🙋♀️ Before you go!!
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⚡️About Sabrina Bonini
Sabrina Bonini is a content specialist, writer, and educator who thrives as a multi-passionate solopreneur. She’s currently creating content about Web3, new technologies, and Formula 1.
On a personal level, Sabrina writes the weekly publication ✍️ Diary of a Modern Solopreneur, bringing readers along on her solopreneur journey and sharing insights and lessons in hopes of empowering others on the same path.
When she’s not busy typing away, she’s picking up new hobbies, indulging her curiosity, or playing hide-and-seek with her fluffy cat. Discover more about her work and connect with her on LinkedIn.
Great lessons supported by fun anecdotes! :-)