The Power of Environment

This week, we will focus on the power of environment. How it can shape us for the better or worse. 

Oftentimes, we focus on ourselves to grow and feel better. While this is very important, we tend to underestimate the importance of our environment and the power it has over us. 

What do I mean by environment?

Environment has different layers - from universal to individual. The smaller the layer, the easier it is to influence or change it from our side. 

Let’s take a look from big to small. While humans all live somewhere on Earth (up till now), globalization has changed the way we think about the country we live in or want to work for. I know someone who recently emigrated from Germany to Panama, because she wanted to experience a different culture and political system. Another friend moved to Dubai for work and will be returning in three years. 

While these examples are big steps, the same - one step smaller - happens on a country level. For private or business reasons, people decide to change regions, cities, or neighborhoods. The smaller it gets, the easier the decision-making process and the more often it happens. 

A change in layer can also mean a different employer, a different room, a different wall color, or a different partner. And talking about human relationships, we have to be aware of how much the individuals with whom we spend most of our time shape our own personality and perspective. We become like those with whom we spend our time. 

So, whatever we want to improve or change - let’s take a look at what is around us. Is the macro or micro environment in which we act supporting the desired change or is it even hindering it?

If I want to walk more, but always park my car as close to the entrance as possible, it will be difficult to reach 10,000 steps over the day. 

If I want to avoid drinking alcohol, but only surround myself with friends who party every day, it will be tough to spend my time without alcohol in the long run. 

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What are the steps that we can take to change our environment?

If you want to change something about yourself, first clearly define what it is. 

Be as specific as possible. 

Then look for someone who demonstrates what you are aiming for. 

Surround yourself with people who live by what you dream of as often as possible. 

This strategy also works the other way around and is sometimes even easier. 

What is something you don’t like about your behavior? Or an environment which drains your energy instead of giving you something positive? 

Reduce the time spent in those environments or with certain people. In some cases it might even be beneficial for your wellbeing to avoid them completely, however that could be a tough step in the beginning. 

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Don’t forget: Your environment always shapes your reality and the future you. When trying to grow or change yourself, also assess your environment and modify it to be supportive of your desired outcome.