Each man is an island unto himself. Remember that saying? While there is some truth to it, the other part of that saying should be “but foreign relations make each island better”.

Most people don’t know that much about how foreign countries work with each other, or the concept of a global economy. We don’t necessarily need to in order to live our lives. We know the basics of it though…..different countries work together for the better of their respective citizens. This type of cooperation makes travel to other countries possible as well as trading of goods (iPods for instance are manufactured outside of the US) and services (banking to name one). Foreign countries can also invest in one another (many foreign countries have financial interests in the US for instance).

This same type of cooperation can be useful for people. If each man is an island unto himself, then cooperating with and investing in other “islands” is how we get along with one another. And who we invest in (as well as who invests in us) makes a very big difference in our personal economies. For example, if you are friends with people who are self starters and look to make themselves better through education and personal evolution, you too will seek to become better in the same ways. What these people find important, think about, follow and invest in you too will look for in your life. So too, if you surround yourself with people who constantly look to “best the system” or seek handouts from others (instead of changing their lives), you too will seek the same thing.

Let’s look at professional sports for another example. For those who follow American Football, you know the names of many of the star players from almost every team. While I don’t mean to take anything away from any of them, they couldn’t be as good as they are without the rest of the team around them. Case in point, a running back who consistently gains 100 or more yards per game is considered great. But without the offensive linemen in front of him to open up running lanes for him, he would have a hard time gaining any yards. so, while the running back is recognized for his accomplishments (and rightfully so), without others cooperating with him, his greatness would be much less.

So what does all of this mean? It means that no one is truly an island unto himself in this world. No one becomes “great” or “successful” without a great supporting cast. Choose your support wisely as they can make or break where you go. Find mentors – both in person and those you can follow through their writings/seminars/etc. – that will help “open your running lanes” in life. Associate with people who are like minded and believe in success and prosperity. Surround yourself with positive, motivated, successful people and you will be one too. And don’t forget to give credit where it’s due.

Oh, and don’t forget to open up the running lanes for others too.

So who’s on YOUR team?

Paul Bond is a Registered Nurse and Nurse Educator who produces a twice monthly podcast called Emergency Nursing Today. His company, Paul Bond & Associates Consulting, also offers courses for continuing education credit throughPhoenixCE. The podcast can be found on iTunes, and PhoenixCE offers complementary  “podcast extras” for more in-depth coverage of the podcast material.

Paul is also the President of the Morning Coach advisory board and currently pursuing his coaching certification through Morning Coach.

To learn more, visit his website at http://www.paulbond.com. Paul can be reached through his email at paul@paulbond.com

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