“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.” -Mark Twain

There might be people in our life who dissuade us from chasing our dreams and accomplishing our goals, because they are simply too scared to attempt their own. Sometimes we can choose who we surround ourselves with, such as our friends. Others, such as family and coworkers, are more stationary, but we can decide who we will listen to.

Choosing to spend time with those who lift us up and encourage us to pursue achievement is essential to our growth and success. If we allow discouraging nay-sayers to plant seeds of doubt into our minds, we will not be motivated to take even the smallest step toward attaining our aspirations.

It would be nice to surround ourselves with talented entrepreneurs, inventors, writers, actors, and business people, but it’s not necessary. What is crucial is to choose friends who will encourage our endeavors. Even when we encounter setbacks and difficulties, they are the ones who will cheer us on. Even when our motivation is lacking, they are the ones who will keep us going. So, remember to ignore the doubters and amplify the believers!