Do You Want to Get Better? Surround Yourself with Smart People.

Published: Wed, 03/06/19

If Your the Smartest Person in the room, Your in the Wrong Room

— unknown

I wasn’t by any means a brilliant student, but I had passion. The sciences were my forte, but unfortunately for me, an appreciation for mathematics did not come with my predilection. I purposely associated with kids who were smarter than I was in the subjects I was weakest. Later on, I realized I was applying that same principle in my life. It was a clumsy attempt at first, but as inelegant as it was I still got encouraging results especially in the workplace. My problem is I wasn't consistent, and I knew applying this idea with intention is a whole other ball game.

Be around smart people not the ones who want to run you over with a train

But when you're young, you think you know it all. I wanted to be the smartest guy in the room. Nothing could be better.
What was I thinking?
I let ego guide me and that period I’d say was the least productive of my life. I chalk it up to being young and in discovery mode.
I wish I’d kept the principle going.
Fast forward to my life as a writer.
I can honestly say that any spurts of improvement in my craft had been due to hanging around smart people in real-world settings, virtually or on the pages of a book.

This recurring life hack has turned out to be the smartest thing I’ve ever unknowingly done to help myself progress. And after 40 years of doing it, I can see why it makes perfect sense to have it in your toolbox.
Even while I write this, I'm in Spain, surrounded by some trailblazers who are about to transform reality TV and Space Travel. I’m learning a lot and have no doubt I’ll be able to apply it to my writing and my life. That's how it works if you want to improve your life in leaps and bounds.
I just love being around smart people.
Trust me, if you can help it never be the smartest person in the room.
So, how can we be surrounded by a network of people smarter than ourselves?
Here’s how I do it.

Be Smart and interesting Yourself.
* Figure out your passion
* Read incessantly
* Travel and experience other cultures
* Develop your talents
* Make friends

Do what it takes to find smart people online and off.
* Social Media is your friend
* Go to Conferences, exhibitions, and museums

Engage with these smart people when you find them.
* Email, Skype or Instant Messenger is cool, but I would forgo all of them for an old fashioned face to face. A coffee shop. Restaurant or bar are ideal places to meet.

That’s it!
It’s not rocket science, but it can make a profound impact on your life. Pack your ego away for a moment, admit to yourself you don’t know it all and learn something valuable from others.

Peace

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