3 Reasons Why You Are A Product Of Your Environment
In a hurry? Listen on the go!
Introduction
As human beings, we like to think that we are in complete
control of our lives and our destinies. However, the truth is that we are all
products of our environment.
The environment that we are exposed to shapes who we are,
what we think, and what we do.
Whilst we all do have the ability to take control, change
our environment and adjust our levels of success, most people are happy to
carry on with their average lives, too afraid to step away from the flock in
search of something better.
In this article, we will explore three reasons why you are a
product of your environment and how to use this knowledge to improve your
chances of success.
1. You Are Being Programmed Wrong
From the moment we are born, we are exposed to various stimuli that shape our perceptions and beliefs. Our parents, caregivers, and the people around us play a significant role in determining what we believe to be true about the world.
For example, if you grow up in a household where education is highly valued, you are more likely to pursue academic success. On the other
hand, if you grow up in a household where education is not valued, you may not
see the value in pursuing higher education.
The same principle applies to other areas of our lives as
well. Our beliefs about money, success, relationships and health are all shaped
by our environment.
If you grew up in a household where money was tight, you may
have developed a scarcity mindset that affects your relationship with money
today. Or, if you grew up in a household where money was plentiful, you may
have developed an abundance mindset that affects your relationship with money
today.
The video below, which is a TEDx talk by Paul Gleeson, expands on this further with Paul talking about how he learned the importance of having the right environment from rowing across the Atlantic Ocean - well worth a watch!
The point is, we learn about the world through the eyes of
the environment in which we are placed (hence you become a product of your environment), and while you may not have had much of
a say about your early environment, as an adult, you need to take
responsibility for where you find yourself.
If you choose to spend your time around dead-beat, no-hope
slackers who just want to ‘party’ or play on the computer all day, or [insert
any other non-productive time wasting habit], then sure enough you are allowing
yourself to be programmed that way and you will be just like them.
If you want more, you need to put yourself in a better
environment, surround yourself with ambitious and successful people with goals
and aspirations that will challenge you to become a better version of yourself.
2. Environment Trumps Intention
No matter how good your intentions are, you will never out-grow
your environment. This is the law of conformity.
We are wired to conform to the norms and expectations of the
people around us. If you are surrounded by people who have low expectations of
themselves and you, it's difficult to break out of that cycle and achieve
success.
Despite your best intentions to better yourself, the people around
you will constantly pull you down, like crabs in a bucket, pulling back the one
that tries to escape so it can die with the rest of them.
For example, if you want to start your own business, but all
your friends and family members are employed by someone else, it can be
challenging to break out of that mould and pursue entrepreneurship. On the
other hand, if you are surrounded by entrepreneurs who have achieved success,
it's much easier to see yourself doing the same.
The key takeaway here is that if you want to achieve
success, you need to surround yourself with people who have achieved what you
want to achieve.
This doesn't mean that you need to abandon your old friends
and family members. Instead, it means that you need to be intentional about who
you spend your time with and seek out mentors and role models who can help you
achieve your goals.
If you are going to be a product of your environment, then best improve your surroundings if you want a good quality end product!
3. Your Environment Shapes Your Habits
Our habits are the building blocks of our lives. They
determine how we spend our time, what we achieve, and ultimately, who we
become.
Our environment plays a significant role in shaping our
habits. For example, if you work in an office where everyone takes a coffee
break at 10 am, it's likely that you will start taking a coffee break at 10 am
too, even if you didn't do so before – just so you fit in.
Likewise, if you surround yourself with people who
prioritize health and fitness, it's more likely that you will develop healthy
habits too. But, if you surround yourself with people who prioritize partying
and drinking, it's more likely that you will develop unhealthy habits instead.
If you want to develop healthy habits that will lead to
success, you need to be intentional about the environment you create for
yourself.
Surround yourself with people who have the same or similar
habits and goals as you do. For example, if you want to start exercising
regularly, join a gym or create a home workout space that is inviting and
motivating. If you are looking to start a business or learn a skill, take
courses and attend networking events and seminars to meet other people with
similar interests.
Tips for Improving Your Environment for Success
Now that we have explained why you are a product of your
environment, let's discuss some tips for improving your environment and
increasing your chance of achieving success.
Surround yourself with positive influences
Seek out people who have achieved what you want to achieve
and spend time with them. This can be in-person or virtually through books,
podcasts, and social media. Let go of negative people in your life that drain
your energy and aren’t helping you to grow.
Create a supportive physical environment
Make your home, workspace, and social spaces conducive to
your goals. This could mean decluttering, adding motivational quotes or images,
or creating a dedicated workspace for your side hustle.
Monitor your media consumption
Be mindful of the music, news, TV shows, and social media
accounts that you follow. These can all shape your perceptions and beliefs.
Choose media that supports your goals and values.
Learn new things
Exposure to new ideas and experiences can help you break out
of old patterns and develop new habits. Take courses, attend workshops, and
read books that challenge your thinking and broaden your perspective.
Conclusion
You are a product of your environment.
The environment you are exposed to shapes your perceptions,
beliefs, habits, and ultimately, your chances of success. However, you are not
powerless.
By being intentional about the environment you create for
yourself, you can improve your chances of success.
Surround yourself with positive influences, create a
supportive physical environment, monitor your media consumption, and learn new
things. By doing so, you can take control of your programming and create the
life you want.
As the famous quote by Jim Rohn goes, "You are the
average of the five people you choose to spend the most time with." Choose
wisely.
Comments