All It Takes Is One

“With the exception of wisdom, I’m inclined to believe that the immortal gods have given nothing better to humanity than friendship.” -Cicero

“Friendship produces between us a partnership in all our interests. There is no such thing as good or bad fortune for the individual; we live in common. And no one can live happily who has regard to himself alone and transforms everything into a question of his own utility; you must live for your neighbour, if you would live for yourself. ” -Seneca, Letters From A Stoic

“He already knew he could coach. All you had to do was look at each of your players and ask yourself: What story does this guy wish someone would tell him about himself? And then you told the guy that story. You told it with a hint of doom. You included his flaws. You emphasized his obstacles that could prevent him from succeeding. That was what made the story epic: the player, the hero, had to suffer mightily en route to his final triumph. Schwartz knew that people loved to suffer, as long as the suffering made sense. Everybody suffered. The key was to choose the form of your suffering. Most people couldn’t do this alone, they needed a coach. A good coach made you suffer in a way that suited you.” -Chad Harbach, novel The Art Of Fielding

“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

To reach our full potential, we could all benefit from a true friend and/or coach.

All it takes is one person:

-Who believes in you and the change you seek to make.

-Who pushes you beyond your comfort zone. Who takes what you’re trying to do and elevates it to the highest level.

-Who always shoots you straight, and keeps you honest and humble.

-Who only compliments you and your work when it’s merited. Who never lies or bullshits you. (Because you trust them and their taste,)

-Who, at times, knows you better than you know yourself.

-Who lifts your spirits when you find yourself in the depths of despair.

If you’re lucky enough to have that person (or combination of persons) in your life, cherish and nurture them always.

If you don’t have that person in your life, keep searching. You’ll find them eventually. Especially after you’ve taken action. Like the poet Rumi said, “”As you start to walk on the way, the way appears.”

And can you also be that friend or coach for someone else?

Lastly, all it takes is one person to derail you and the change you seek to make. Avoid that toxicity like the plague.