Throughout the centuries, we’ve looked towards the natural world to draw metaphors that provide insight into our behaviors and social interactions. An age-old adage, “birds of a feather flock together,” has been an enduring testament to this practice, providing us with an understanding of our natural inclinations to align ourselves with those who mirror our interests, characteristics, or perspectives. While this idiom encapsulates our innate preference for familiarity and comfort, it also subtly opens up a path to a broader perspective – the potential for profound growth and transformation when we dare to take control of our imidate environment.
I often add to this by saying, “Birds of a feather flock together. So, if you want nicer feathers, upgrade your flock! ” After all, we do have the ability to curate our surroundings and influence our environments. At the heart of this viewpoint is the recognition that we, much like birds, are deeply impacted by the ‘flocks’ or social circles we choose to engage with. The ‘flock’ here signifies our social networks, including our friends, family members, colleagues, and even the authors whose books we read or the speakers whose talks we attend. On the other hand, our ‘feathers’ represent our skills, attitudes, behaviors, and overall life outlook. These metaphorical feathers are constantly evolving, taking shape and morphing under the influence of our chosen flocks, or what I refer to as our concentric circles of influence, with the innermost circle being our “inner circle.”
“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”
– Jim Rohn
The phrase “choosing your flock” is not about discarding existing relationships or severing ties with your current network. Instead, it underlines the significance of consciously choosing environments and affiliations that pose challenges, stimulate intellectual growth, and test our limits. The focus lies in purposefully seeking out groups that encourage growth and facilitate development, despite the initial discomfort that may accompany these unfamiliar terrains. As seasoned warriors, we are no strangers to discomfort; we often seek it for the wisdom and growth that it brings forth. Personally, I always seek mentors who challenge me and encourage my growth!
It’s crucial to understand that ‘enhanced feathers’ are not merely indicative of external accomplishments or learned skills. They also embody the cultivation of internal personal qualities like resilience, open-mindedness, critical thinking, and much more. Refining your flock to surroundings that nurture such traits can catalyze profound personal and professional transformation.
“It’s better to hang out with people better than you. Pick out associates whose behavior is better than yours and you’ll drift in that direction.”
– Warren Buffett
This idea of refining your flock carries considerable weight and impacts on multiple fronts, influencing personal development and driving collective growth within teams. However, refining our flock is not a solitary, one-off action. It is a persistent process, a consistent choice to push ourselves beyond our comfort zones and expand our mental landscapes. We must be ready to take risks, delve into the unfamiliar, and gain knowledge from various sources. Through these ongoing efforts, we can develop ‘enhanced feathers,’ thereby facilitating our continuous evolution and growth.
To conclude, while the saying “birds of a feather flock together” underscores our inherent tendency to find solace in the familiar, the additional phrase “So, if you want nicer feathers, upgrade your flock!” After all, we can curate our surroundings, and influence motivates us to venture beyond our comfort zones. It encourages us to intentionally expose ourselves to various influences that stimulate personal and professional growth. It’s through these interactions within our chosen flocks that we’re able to not only transform our feathers but also, in the grander scheme of things, soar to greater heights.
“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.”
– Mark Twain
As a highly experienced coach, Alan Baker specializes in guiding individuals on their journey toward personal and professional excellence. With his deep understanding of human potential and a passion for unlocking greatness, Alan empowers his clients to overcome challenges, cultivate resilience, and tap into their hidden talents.
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