Scottsdale Health January 2020

What
is Your
Sum?
Characteristics to consider when
taking note of those around you
Motivational speaker and author Jim Rohn
introduced us to the concept that you are
the collective sum of the five people you are
around the most. So, as we enter into the
new year and begin another decade, you’re
invited to reflect on your personal and
professional inventory. Who do you choose to
surround yourself with? Does your sum add
up to something that encourages momentum
and growth? Are there changes needed? Take
a look at the top five characteristics to seek
out when creating your best average.
relating
/ by James Patrick
Self-motivated
Someone who is
able to light their
own “fire” within
becomes a leader in
their own life. They
are driven by passion,
purpose and
rarely settle. They
are a self-starter
who does not live
within their comfort
zone because they
know change happens
outside of it.
Fear is a teacher
and the desire is to
thrive. The energy of
these individuals is
contagious and will
constantly leave you
charged and pumped
to get out there and
do some crazy things
of your own.
Goal-driven
There are those who
truly live and those
who simply exist.
Someone who lives
constantly strives to
challenge themselves
and achieve goals
that push them to the
next level. They have
a thirst for adventure,
are willing to try new
things and have an
ongoing to-do list
that inspires them to
jump out of bed each
morning because
there isn’t a moment
to lose. They have
vision boards that
focus on what they
want most, create
deadlines to keep
them on task and
have people to hold
them accountable to
their actions.
Resilient
Success and failure
are necessary. Yet,
those who are able
to bounce back when
“life happens” are
able to change their
perspective to see
the “blessons” in
all things. Failure
becomes a “successful
attempt”
because even though
things don’t always
work out as planned,
any steps taken are
better than none.
Obstacles become
seen as opportunities.
They find just
as much excitement
in “falling down”
and learn to pick
themselves up
quicker each time.
These individuals
know there is always
something to gain.
Compassionate
Participating in this
human experience
requires that we create
value in other
people’s lives as we
create value in our
own. It’s about giving
and receiving.
Without that, true
sustainability cannot
exist. Someone who
lifts others up when
they are struggling or
have a desire to be
more causes a ripple
effect that has the
ability to create great
change. Showing
compassion for those
who need it most
without expectation
makes these individuals
some of the greatest
friends, teachers
and mentors.
Vulnerable
Keeping pride and
ego in check can
be a challenge for
some. Yet, those
who know they cannot
do everything on
this journey alone
and are willing to ask
for support when
needed are some
of the strongest.
Expressing vulnerabilities
is not a weakness.
It allows others
to see that humanness
and reminds
us all that we are
perfectly imperfect
and draws others in.
Sometimes, you may
even be surprised to
find that the key to
that next opportunity
comes when we are
willing to be open
enough to ask for it.
At the end of
the day, surrounding
yourself with individuals
who feed your
soul creates infinite
potential. Your sum
becomes a defining
piece of your own
presence and a big
part of what others
will associate with
you. Let it be positive
and empowering.
Know you are
supported by the
best within you and
around you.
James Patrick is the owner of James Patrick Lifestyle Training. He is a time investment expert, certified NASM personal trainer, behavior change specialist,
motivational presenter and success coach working with the award-winning Southwest Institute of Healing Arts. James’ motto is “make shift happen” and his
mission is to fuel passion expose purpose and motivate actions that inspire a new way to be through interactive coaching and personal training. 845.499.8458 or
www.jamespatrickaz.com.
46 ScottsdaleHealth 01/20