"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds" - Albert Einstein

When I was thinking about something, I glanced at one of the two pictures of Einstein that hang on my office wall. As I began to think about this incredible truth that I have read so many times, I once again realized how important it is to fully understand.

Most of us surround ourselves with individuals who support us in staying the way we are. The unfortunate truth is that when you decide to become a great spirit -- to pursue a great adventure -- many of the people around you will not support you.

Often with good intention they will tell you familiar things like "be realistic," "slow down -- take your time," "be careful," or "don't do anything rash."

I have found that, "When you pursue greatness, you represent the courage that others don't have." (That sentence is important -- please read it again until you FULLY understand it.)

Consequently, when you succeed, they can no longer tell themselves and others their own "good stories" about why they don't succeed. You break through their excuses for staying in an unfulfilled or dissatisfied life.

For this reason, it is absolutely imperative that you surround yourself with great spirits -- continually! Like-minded individuals who have the same vision and are going the same places you are going. People who believe in you, support you, sometimes even push you.

One of the greatest decisions I made several years ago was that "I would no longer spend quantity time with people that I did not want to become." This is one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made -- and also one of the most powerful.

I looked at the crowd I was spending time with and they were great people; and yet, they were not going in the same direction as me. They did not have the same goals for their life. The same passion.

I realized that they were holding me back.

I still love them, care for them, communicate with them, but no longer spend a major portion of my time with them.

Who do you have in your life that may be holding you back? Who can you begin to spend more quality and quantity time with that is going in the same direction as you? Who do you know that is passionate? Who do you know that is committed to greatness?

It has been said that 5 years from today you will be the same person as today...with 2 exceptions:

1. The books you read, tapes you listen to, seminars you attend.
2. The people that you spend the majority of your time with.

This is no dress rehearsal -- this is your life -- the real deal! Remember that. And as you do, be outstanding -- live with passion -- and make your life magnificent!

-- Author: James Ray