THE POWER OF ASSOCIATION: The Positive and Negetive sides. By: Chukwuebuka C. Oguocha

Undeniably, the things we constantly indulge ourselves in, to an extent effect our personality; this could be good or bad, depending on the nature of what ever we got ourselves involved in.

Also, the kind of people we always connect with, by thoughts, and actions influence us, therefore, we imbibe our association.

Those people you closely connect with, conversations you have, all profoundly influence your thinking, and actions. You slowly become the sum of the people closest to you, so chose them wisely_ Adiela Akoo.

A lot of people in one way or the other, had been transformed by the kind of things, or company they solely accepted into their lives. No doubt, certain level of change or transformation of an individual, probably in thought pattern or behavior, could be part of the consequences of desiring to make certain enviable achievements in life.

Adeola, was far more intelligent than her friend Bisi, but what she ever desired or longed for was what Bisi gets at less or no efforts, this became a disturbing issue for Adeola to ponder over. After much deliberation, and comparison made, over what she presumed should be her fate, and not her friend’s, judging from the fact that she, Adeola, was considered a better personality to Bisi her friend, especially in all educational ramifications.

Adaeola, made a decision to curtail some of her personal behaviors, and presume some of her friend’s, in a quest to gain what she had believed was meant for her kind.
She stopped attending campus fellowships, frequenting the library, meeting some of her friends, whom she engaged in meaningful conversations with, because she felt they may be the reason why she couldn’t earn her desired achievements; and so she clinched to some of Bisi’s kind of life style, and friends.

At evening, instead of going to the library, campus fellowships, or visiting her friends as usual, she rather hanged out with Bisi, who introduced her to her numerous girlfriends, who crave for expensive, luxurious lifestyles.

Adaeola continued this way, until gradually, her life began to take the shape of that of Bisi, and her girl friends, she could hardly, go to the library, campus fellowships, or even visits her friends as usual, instead she derived pleasure, going to expensive eateries, bars, night parties, as well as indulging in vulgar conversations, all to the detriment of her moral life style, and study times.

From the above illustration; Adeola suddenly became the sum of the kind of people she condescended her admirable self to. In a bid to achieve her goal, she imprudently embraced an environment which eventually robbed her off her better self.

When you’re creating an environment to support your goals, remember that you get in life what you tolerate. Put another way, you will get in life what you accept, and expect you are worthy of _ Darren Hardy

It is curious how hearing something once in youth, can dictate a thought pattern, all through your life _ Rob Delaney
The live styles, core values, principles, exhibited by many, are longtime conceived or embraced, and made beliefs, by belonging to one association or the other.

At age thirty six (36), a man still held on to the belief, that slates are used for beheading boys, before it was used for writing. This was inculcated in him as a school boy, by an elder, and this knowledge lived on in his sub consciousness till adulthood.

Therefore, it is pertinent as it concerns the people, and things we permit in our lives; to be cautious, and mindful, as to know what is corruptible, and befitting to our personality as we mingle. It is wise to know that, non can match the power of your own volition, as the choice we make, intentionally or unintentionally is bound to live with us.

In our various aspects of relationships, there could be improvements for better results, or depreciation, for worst results; which depends on the nature of the association permitted over time.

In a family setting for instance, where a family is facing some challenges, probably to achieve certain goals or vision; if in a bid to attain the set out goal, and part of the steps towards achieving is to relate with another family; preferably, it’s wise to relate with the family that shares similar vision as yours, who probably had emerged successful, rather than getting involved, or associated with visionless party.

Too much association with visionless people will blur your vision, until you finally lose your sight to your true identity _ Ogegbe Clement.

It is said that, like attracts likes, also, another assertion goes, show me your friends, and I will tell you who you are. These statements are incontrovertibly true, and undeniably, what is in vogue in our society.

Every man, especially those who desire with determination, to achieve certain enviable heights in life, will always wish, and seek the association of his like, to inspire, or motivate him in his journey.

As we are, so we associate. The good by affinity, seek the good; the vile, by affinity the vile. Thus of their volition, souls proceed into heaven or hell_ Ralph Waldo Emerson.

From the afore discussed, it should be noted that, this article is concerned about taking judicious steps, towards embracing the right, and appropriate association for a better results.

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Chukwuebuka C. Oguocha is a proficient creative writer, with an interest in affecting lives, through his fictional works, which cut across all literary genres. He is also a screenwriter, motivational, and inspirational content writer. He is the author of the book, “Happy At Last”, an educative children’s literary fiction, about proper child upbringing, and he’s an author with ,odogwublog.com.