Baaaadd Company

Now, I don't mean to mislead any of you by this title, but this post will not be about the 1974 song titled Bad Company. The following words will be written about a more important topic. It is about the people we surround ourselves with. It is about how the company we keep effects our life, decisions, goals, dreams, and actions. Afterall, "Bad company corrupts good character." Or for that matter, any company can effect your actions. 

This story starts with a book I read a few years ago titled Blink by Malcolm Gladwell. In one section of the book, Gladwell discusses the role that police officers have on one another. For example, one of the really interesting facts about police work is that an officer behaves much better—makes better decisions, fires his gun less frequently, has fewer complaints filed against him—when he is by himself than when he is paired with a partner. Officers on their own are far more cautious. Without the emboldening presence of a companion, they take far fewer risks. They don't pick fights, or put themselves into nearly as many ambiguous or dangerous situations, because they know they have no one looking out for them.

This example is present for those of us who don't serve and protect. Think back to a time when you and a bunch of buddies have gotten together. You develop a certain pack mentality and often nudge each other to act in a certain way. The company you keep will have a direct effect on how you act. For those who surround themselves with positive influences, your life will be enriched by those who you spend time with. If you are on the other end of the spectrum, and keep company with unsavory individuals, get used to unsavory decision making. We all have the ability to tinker with our environments. Take control of your situation and surround yourself with like-minded individuals all working towards a common goal. 

Chris Fluck

There is nothing more valuable than surrounding yourself with individuals all working towards the greater good. Positive peer pressure is real. To join our fitness community and get yourself a FREE two-week pass, click the button below. I look forward to hearing from you!

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