A man went to the market to buy a donkey to add to his stable. When he saw one he wanted to buy, he said to the owner: "Let me take him home to test him out."

If I like the way he works, I will come back and pay you for him.

The owner agreed to the arrangement, so the man took the donkey home and put him in the stable. The animal looked around at the other donkeys and then lay down next to the laziest one.

"Just as I suspected," the man said. He grabbed a halter and took the donkey back to the owner.

"What is wrong?" the surprised owner asked. "You couldn't possibly have tested the animal so quickly."

"One small test was enough for me," said the man. "I could tell what kind of worker he was just by the companion he chose for himself."

Suits.com.ng Perspective

Though as unfair as it may sound – you are judged by the company you keep. As the saying goes: if you hang around five intelligent people, you are the sixth. If you hang around five millionaires, you will be the sixth. But if you hang around five fools, soon you will be the sixth fool.

Friends have a very powerful influence on our lives. Those with loving friends sooner become loving themselves, and those with toxic friends become toxic.

Research has shown that when you stay close to someone for a long time, you either adjust to their mental pace, or they adjust to yours.

For instance, when you talk with someone who is intellectually dull, you often have to lower your pace to communicate. Conversely, when you brainstorm with a sharp mind who won’t lower their standard for you, your only option is to catch up.

In that "try to catch up" is where people are stretched to a better version of themselves.

He that walks with wise men shall be wise, but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

This is why Suits.com.ng partners only with the best designers, manufacturers, and brands in their fields.

One of the common keys to the success of over 90% of successful people is the influence of that special companion in their lives. It could be a spouse, a friend, a boss, a mentor, a teacher, or a business associate.

Be strong enough to walk away from those who hold you back. Connect with positive influences and change your world.

The best tip for connecting with the right people is to position yourself in the right environment. If you want to whale, move to the ocean. If you aspire to be the best employee, associate with the current best. If you want to be a millionaire, spend time with millionaires.

Books are also companions—ideas, thoughts, and wisdom condensed into print. Reposition yourself today. Don't be like the donkey sitting next to the laziest. You are judged by the companions you keep.

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