You’ve probably heard that success is all about things like talent, intelligence, and hard work.
But what if I told you there’s a factor that’s even more important than all of those combined?
It’s a truth that most high achievers know instinctively, but rarely talk about.
And today, I want to share a fascinating story that illustrates this point perfectly. During the Vietnam War, the U.S. military faced a shocking crisis: nearly 20% of soldiers had become addicted to heroin.
It was a situation so dire that President Nixon declared drug abuse to be “public enemy number one.”
But what happened next defied all expectations… When those same soldiers returned home, an astonishing 95% of them were able to overcome their addiction almost overnight.
This challenged everything we thought we knew about the nature of addiction and personal change.
So, what was their secret? The answer, it turns out, was a simple but profound shift in their environment. You see, in Vietnam, soldiers were surrounded by a perfect storm of factors that made drug abuse all too easy:
- the stress of combat
- the easy availability of cheap heroin
- a culture of drug use among their peers But when they returned to the familiar surroundings of home, those triggers vanished, and so did their addiction. This story carries a powerful lesson for anyone seeking to achieve great things in life and business.
Our environment – the people we surround ourselves with, the places we frequent, and the influences we absorb – has an incredible impact on our habits, mindsets, and ultimately, our success. In my own journey as an entrepreneur, I’ve seen this principle play out time and time again.
When I’ve found myself surrounded by individuals who are content with mediocrity, my own growth has stagnated.
But when I’ve intentionally sought out driven, passionate, and growth-oriented people, I’ve been able to push myself to new heights and achieve breakthroughs I never thought possible. So, here’s my challenge to you –
Define what you want from life, your vision, and goals.
Take a critical look at your current environment and ask yourself if it’s truly supporting your ultimate vision and goals.
If not, don’t be afraid to make a change.
Seek out mentors, masterminds, and communities that will challenge you, inspire you, and hold you accountable to your highest potential. The path to extraordinary success is rarely easy, but with the right environment and influences, you’ll be amazed at how far you can go & how frictionless it becomes.