Whether it be in business, health, sports or perhaps just someone who embodies the essence of life you admire. Picture their journey, the milestones they’ve celebrated and the obstacles they’ve overcome in their life, business, and personal ambitions — whatever speaks to you the most.

When you look at the achievements and the life that they live, how do you think they got there?

I’m not much of a gambling man — but I’d be willing to bet that your mind starts to wander towards their intrinsic qualities. That their success came purely as a result of hard work, perseverance, and sheer grit.

And don’t get me wrong — these things matter. But in the pursuit of any goal — a new business, relationship or personal ambition — we often completely downplay (or ignore!) the impact that our environment plays.

It’s no coincidence that winners often come out on the other side victorious, not because they’re just more naturally gifted than you, smarter than you, or even luckier than you. But also because their surroundings have tilted the odds in their favour.

I’ve lived in 5 different countries and been on the journey of self-actualisation for over 10 years — and I can personally look back and pick out certain people, groups or places that I owe my growth and success to.

They challenged my norm, they inspired me, they encouraged me, but most importantly their actions, words and influence made me realise what’s possible beyond the boundaries of what I considered possible.

SoI i nvite you to take a moment to get radically honest about the spaces you occupy, both physically and mentally. Does your environment give you the encouragement and support needed to reach your goals? Do the people around you push you beyond your current horizons?

Or do you find yourself surrounded by voices and influences (un)consciously trying to confine you to what’s deemed normal and acceptable to them?

These questions can have answers that are difficult to confront, but life, in many ways, is a game of strategy — and if we’re aiming for consistent, long-term success, the smartest move is to position ourselves in an environment where the people in our network, the places we spend most of our time, and the content we consume works in our favour (and not against us!).

Which is easier said than done.

Because when we first start working towards a lofty goal or ambition that only we can see (and believe in!) — we can quickly come to realise that the understanding and support we look for in our existing environments are not always there.

Especially if the pursuit forces us to break free from the norm. If it demands you to rise above their standards, and therefore have to do things they don’t understand, or even deem crazy or unacceptable.

And keep in mind, the goal isn’t to win their acceptance or praise, or to have them join you — but rather to set yourself free from the need to be seen, supported and accompanied by them.

Because some might look at you and your goal as if you’ve lost touch with reality. They might not understand the fire that burns within you, the obsession that drives you to pursue whatever it is you’re chasing with such passion.

But this is also true for those who simply want to do something different. To travel off the conventional, well-trodden path and go against what’s “normal”. Because what’s “normal” in today’s day and age is often not what leads to a fully lived life.

The “normal” we see around us — being physically unhealthy, emotionally strained, socially isolated, and financially overburdened — is not a baseline we should aspire to, but is instead, a wake-up call for change that few answer.

And so, when the environment we need to successfully pursue our goals — whatever they may be — isn’t there, it’s a necessary part of the journey to break free from the chains of conformity and set out solo — to trust in your inner compass and guiding North Star to help you navigate through the uncertainties and challenges that lie ahead.

So there are (and forever will be) times when the world around you falls silent and it’s just you and your goal — putting in the work when no one else can see.

And I want you to know that if this resonates with you right now, I see you. The discipline you’re maintaining, the sacrifices you’re making — they matter. They’re the building blocks of the person that you’re destined to become.

But still, every great athlete had a coach, every business tycoon a mentor and every great thinker a teacher.

And while I’m not saying you need to set out with the intention of finding a mentor in its literal sense, surrounding yourself with people who expand your horizon, who pull you to new levels and help you see more in you than you do yourself can make the journey towards your goals not just more bearable, but exhilarating.

It’s as the old African proverb goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”.

So find your together — find those who not only align with your vision but also challenge you to expand it. Those who care about your growth more than your comfort, and will call you out on the things you need (but may not want!) to hear.

Because more often than not, we all come from familiar, safe and predictable environments where we might be the smartest, the strongest or the most successful in the room.

But the harsh truth is if you’re the best in the room, you’re in the wrong room.

The comfort of being the most knowledgeable, the strongest, or the quickest in your current circle may seem rewarding, but it’s a deceptive comfort — because if you aspire to be great amongst mediocre people you may think you are the best — but all you have become is great at being mediocre.

Whilst if you strive to be great amongst the greatest, you might not be the best but you will certainly be pulled to new levels.

The challenge, then, is to willingly step out of these familiar environments and into spaces where you’re not the top dog. It’s about accepting (and even seeking!) the discomfort of being among people who stretch the boundaries of your capabilities — a humbling but incredibly enriching experience.

There’s just one last thing to get clear on — because it’s a common misconception to think that part of seeking new environments involves severing ties with what you currently know — and in the cases of quitting old, harmful behaviours like addictions, toxic relationships, or negative thinking patterns, this can be useful.

But, there’s no need to disappear for months at a time and cut off all ties with those you’ve known for years only to come out on the other side burned out, lonely and depressed in the pursuit of a goal that was meant to bring fulfilment and joy.

The reality is that the relationships that no longer serve your growth or align with your current path aren’t necessarily obstacles — but are instead simply landmarks of where you’ve been.

And if where you’ve been no longer serves you, then that is life’s way of inviting you to step out of that environment and into somewhere new, without cutting all ties completely.

It involves putting yourself in spaces — be they physical or virtual — where your passions and pursuits are shared. It means being open to connecting with people who might think differently than you do, who can challenge your ideas and push you to consider new perspectives.

And if nowhere instantly springs to mind — I’d like to personally extend an invitation to you.

Here, you’ll find all the information that you need about my private 1–1 mentorship — a unique opportunity to surround yourself with honesty, positivity, challenge, and the collective energy needed to propel you towards your ambitions so that you can create an environment where growth is not just a possibility, but an inevitability.

At this time, I only have one more spot available. So if you’re interested, please click here to find out more.