If your future were determined solely off the friends you have now, would you trade them in? If every job or college interview depended not off of your performance, but your friends, how would it turn out for you? Now that I have your attention, are you at least thinking about it?

While in a conversation with Mr. Mike Wade of Ferris State, he spoke the following words: “show me your friends and I will show you your future.” The idea of this wasn’t new, however, it came off as if it was the first time I’ve heard it. The notion of being guilty by association has surrounded us for years. Although not a 100% accurate, the assumption is usually true. This led me to ask a question if my own friendships were propelling me forward or keeping me at a stand still.

Fortunate for me I’m surrounded by a circle of individuals that challenges me to push myself everyday. Sadly, this is not everyone’s situation. While some have a great support system, many don’t. People that do not want to see others succeed or accomplish their dreams surround many.

Most of us spend too much time holding on to bad or damaged relationships due to the fact that they are in our circle of influence. Superficial relationships cause more harm to you than being honest with yourself and ridding yourself of poor relationships. If I’m doing my job correctly you may be asking yourself the following two questions: What do I do? Do I find a new circle of friends?

My suggestion is that if you find yourself being loyal to people who are not loyal to you, you must move. If every time you share your dream and they kill it, you must move. If you are the smartest person in your circle, you must move. At the least you owe it to yourself to expand your circle.

This is not a piece to motivate you to end all friendships, however, this is a piece that should have you asking yourself what your future will look like based off those you call friend. I of all people know that you can’t change your friends, but you can CHANGE your friends.