This #MakeItHappenMonday, we’re diving into a powerful insight from motivational speaker Jim Rohn: “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with”. For those of us in the performing arts, this concept is not just philosophical—it’s a practical strategy for elevating our craft and careers. Let’s break down this insight and explore how it directly applies to our lives on and off the stage.

Jim Rohn’s assertion serves as a reminder that we are profoundly influenced by our immediate social circle. This influence extends beyond simple behaviors and affects our thinking, our confidence, and our decision-making capabilities. The idea is that we absorb the prevailing attitudes, habits, and values of those we are most frequently exposed to. If these individuals are driven, positive, and successful, these qualities are likely to reflect in our own lives. Conversely, regular exposure to negativity, complacency, or underachievement can hinder our growth and limit our potential.

This principle urges us to carefully select those we allow into our personal and professional space, recognizing that each individual can either contribute to our growth or hold us back. It’s about finding a troupe that not only supports but also challenges and inspires us to push our boundaries.

Choose Your Circle Wisely

Our connections profoundly influence our thoughts, confidence, and decisions. Surrounding yourself with people who embody where you aspire to be can elevate your own standards and achievements. Whether it’s in person or online, these are the people who will push us to nail that audition, refine our techniques, and think creatively about our roles and performances.

Act Now: Reflect on your current relationships. Who among them truly drives you toward excellence? Make a plan this week to strengthen these connections.

Embrace a Spectrum of Feedback

While it’s comforting to be surrounded by cheerleaders, having a “devil’s advocate” or a mentor who challenges you can influence significant personal and professional growth. Engaging with critics and coaches who challenge our methods and interpretations helps us grow as performers and individuals.

Act Now: Schedule a feedback session with someone whose opinion you trust. It could be a peer review or a meeting with a mentor. The objective is to uncover new growth areas in your current projects.

Create and Participate in Mastermind Groups

Consider forming or joining mastermind groups that align with your artistic goals. Whether it’s a formal group or an informal gathering of fellow artists, these collaborations can spark creativity, provide motivation, and offer new perspectives on common challenges. Engaging with a community that shares your dedication can dramatically accelerate your growth and success.

Act Now: Post in an online arts community to find or initiate a mastermind group. Specify what artistic goals you want to focus on to attract like-minded individuals.

Be Mindful of Time Spent Evaluate how your interactions affect your energy and focus. If certain relationships consistently drain your energy or inspire doubt rather than motivation, it may be time to reassess these connections. Choose to spend more time with those who enhance your passion and resilience.

Act Now: Keep a simple log of your interactions this week. Note how you feel after each one to identify patterns that might require change.

Reflect and Act

Take time today to think about your artistic circle. Are there individuals who inspire you to reach greater heights? Do they push you to be your best self? If not, consider how you might begin to shift these dynamics. Seek out and cultivate relationships with individuals who inspire, challenge, and uplift you.

Act Now: Write down the qualities you value in a collaborator or friend. Use this as a guide to seek out new connections or deepen existing ones.

Be a Catalyst for Others

Lastly, as you advance your career, strive to be someone who others can look up to—become a positive force in the lives of your peers. As you grow, look for opportunities to mentor others. Teaching is a powerful way to deepen your own understanding and to give back to the community that supports you.

Act Now: Offer to share your skills in a local workshop or volunteer for a mentorship program within your arts community.

As performers, our environment and the company we keep can dramatically influence our mindset, performance, and career trajectory. The path from a “starving artist” to a “thriving artist” is paved with deliberate choices about who we let into our lives and how we interact with our community. This week, let’s be proactive in who we choose to spend our time with, ensuring our circles are as enriching as they are inspired. Now, go out and find your best five, and let’s make this week one of meaningful connections and vibrant creativity!