It's no secret that the people around us affect our decisions. Teens start smoking for social status. Middle-aged men buy convertibles to impress other middle-aged men or young ladies. Football players hustle to make sure they're not ridiculed for being slow.
Peer pressure usually has a negative connotation, but it can be a good thing. Positive peer pressure is simultaneously one of the most powerful and least utilized tools for personal growth. Surrounding yourself with people who want you to do better is a sure way to success.
When you're working towards a goal, there are two groups of people that can help you.
The first group is others who are on the same path as you. If you're just starting to lift weights, it can be tremendously motivating to work out with others. When you're not feeling motivated to exercise, they can push you to go on.
It's really a symbiotic relationship, and you'll be helping them out as well. The more people involved, the more successful this kind of group will be.
The second group is filled with people who have been there and accomplished your goal. They will have the experience to guide you through the hard times. When you have questions, they know the answers.
Peers at your level can help with motivation, but it's like the blind leading the blind. An expert in the field can motivate you and teach the entire group.
So what's in it for them? Why would someone want to teach you like that? They'll get motivation to stay consistent, and teaching will help improve their own knowledge. Mentors also receive a sense of pride and satisfaction from teaching others in their craft.
Finding Positive Peers
The real first step is finding people that will encourage you and help you on your journey. Where should you look? Depending on the goal, there are lots of places to check out.
The real first step is finding people that will encourage you and help you on your journey. Where should you look? Depending on the goal, there are lots of places to check out.
Find a Local Meeting Place
There may already be a group of people interested in your goal that want to help. For things like working out, this is obvious - find a gym, and join.
There may already be a group of people interested in your goal that want to help. For things like working out, this is obvious - find a gym, and join.
If you're not sure, check out meetup.com and do a search for your hobby or goal.
Join an On-line Group
You can find an on-line community for anything on-line. From knitting to public speaking, there are people on-line discussing your goal. Join one and make a post introducing yourself. These communities are generally very warm and welcoming, and are glad to see new members.
You can find an on-line community for anything on-line. From knitting to public speaking, there are people on-line discussing your goal. Join one and make a post introducing yourself. These communities are generally very warm and welcoming, and are glad to see new members.
Here's a starter check list of places to look:
Reddit
Google Groups or Google+ Communities
Search Google for hobby_name Forum Example
Just remember, on-line communities are a great motivation but can also be a huge time-sink. Don't waste your well-deserved time reading something you don't care about!
Google Groups or Google+ Communities
Search Google for hobby_name Forum Example
Just remember, on-line communities are a great motivation but can also be a huge time-sink. Don't waste your well-deserved time reading something you don't care about!
Post a Craigslist Ad
Yes, really. People on Craigslist can be weird, but there are also lots of success stories. Just post in the right section indicating you're looking for a friend with interest X.
Yes, really. People on Craigslist can be weird, but there are also lots of success stories. Just post in the right section indicating you're looking for a friend with interest X.
Work in a Different Industry
This won't apply to everybody, but some jobs are very transferable between industries. Examples: IT help desk, receptionist, secretary, sales. The list goes on.
This won't apply to everybody, but some jobs are very transferable between industries. Examples: IT help desk, receptionist, secretary, sales. The list goes on.
All industries have a need for these positions. If you're a marketer looking to get fit, you should consider joining an agency focused on health and fitness.
The culture of the job will be a strong influence, and if you work full-time, you can experience powerful mental changes in a short period.This applies doubly if you're an entrepreneur and own your own business.
Eliminating Negative Peer Pressure
The average person between 18 and 24 has 510 Facebook friends (Source). That's a lot of people.
The average person between 18 and 24 has 510 Facebook friends (Source). That's a lot of people.
Out of those, I would guess that 100 are seen on a regular basis. This includes family, friends, and co-workers.
What kind of influence do your 100 closest people have on you?
That's the question you need to ask yourself. You might already have a positive circle of friends, but you're probably struggling with at least a few that keep pushing you back.
Maybe you've known them since high school, or maybe you have some other bond that keeps you together. Only you can decide if you should keep a relationship going, but if your views and goals have changed dramatically since you first met, it may be time to move on.
Don't be a jerk about it, but consider polite unavailability.
Find Your Focus
Spending effort to get positive peer pressure in your life won't do you any good if they're pressuring you to do the wrong things. Make sure you have a strong set of goals before you start.
Spending effort to get positive peer pressure in your life won't do you any good if they're pressuring you to do the wrong things. Make sure you have a strong set of goals before you start.
That way, when your new friends and acquaintances push you, they'll be pushing you in the direction you really want to go.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Samuel_Ricks
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