I noticed recently he had an extra spring in his step and appeared to be "on top of the world". As I pressed him for information as to what had happened, he told me, " I did something I should have done a long time ago. I told my so-called 'friends' that I would no longer be hanging out with them".

Naturally, I asked why?

His response, "Because I've always wanted to do something good with my life and they just didn't seem to fit in with that. All they want to do is drink and stay out all night".

As it turns out, Dave was right. In fact, 2 years later he graduated #1 in his drafting and design class and was receiving some very nice job offers from as far away as Atlanta, Georgia.

So, did Dave have to make some tough decisions? Yep.

Did his "friends" get mad? You better believe it.

Was it the right thing to do? Absolutely.

"You'll never soar like an eagle if you continue to scratch with the turkeys." - Brian Tracy

So how about you? Are you soaring like an eagle? Here are 3 very important questions you should ask yourself immediately (and be honest when you answer them):

- Who am I around?

- What are they doing to me?

- Is it OK?

Remember, people are like buttons on an elevator, some will lift you up and others will take you down. In other words, get away from that negative co-worker and start talking to people that are more successful than you. Introduce yourself to them. Hang out with them. Let their energy lift you up.

Here's something to think about. Did you know the most recommended way for a golfer to improve his or her game is to only play with better golfers?

Why? Because they know the skills and experience of the better golfer will rub off on them. It's true. You become who you're around.

Ever have this happen to you? You're hanging around a very energetic person who acts a certain way or talks with a very strong accent, and then before you know it, you're talking and acting just like them! Strange huh?

Feel like you don't know anyone like that? That's OK. You don't physically have to have that person around you.

Here's what you do. Find a great book or audio program from somebody who already has what you want. Buy it, borrow it, download it, check it out from the library; whatever you have to do. Keep it with you at all times. Turn off the radio and listen to it in your car. Take it with you wherever you go; the doctor's office, the grocery story, the gym; everywhere. Plus, make sure you carry a pen and paper and take notes!

And, if you'll do that, it's only a matter of time that their success will become your reality. I guarantee it.

So what happened to my friend Dave? Well, last I heard he was happily married to a beautiful wife, had a wonderful son, and was doing quite well in a career he loves - And, as for the guys he left behind, they're still doing the same things as when he left.