Hi Reader,

Research estimates that adults make up to 35,000 decisions in a day. That’s roughly 2,000 decisions every hour you’re awake. Thankfully, not every one of these outcomes is life changing.
 
I recently joined John O’Leary as a guest on his podcast, and he asked me about some of my life choices. I explained that I made twelve decisions in my life that really mattered.
 
Continuing my education, pursuing a career, transitioning during my career, committing to a partner, building a family, and choosing my friends are some of the important milestones that led to a fulfilling journey.
 
One of the many pivotal decisions I made in my life was when I started college. I was the first in my family to attend a university, so you can imagine how arriving on campus felt like I was shot out of a cannon. I had no idea where I would land.
 
Indiana University was and still is a big school, so how I chose to make the transition from the familiar surroundings of my neighborhood back home was critical. Thankfully I met a small group of guys who were like me. They had their sights set on the long view.
 
We were on a mission to get an education. Sure, we had our share of fun, but not before we hit the books. Choosing this band of focused friends over many other options I could have taken on my sprawling campus was a game changer, and they are still my friends today.  
 
There’s no question that we’re influenced by the people who surround us. Many of you are familiar with motivational speaker Jim Rohn and his idea that we’re the average of the five people we spend the most time with. I like to think that number could be higher and expand to include different spheres in your life.
 
Whether you’re in school, in the community, at work, at church, or at home, I suggest applying two filters to your decisions.