The book, Friendfluence, by author Carlin Flora, explores the importance of friendship to humans and the many ways that our friends influence us.

Many pertinent points are made in the book which relate to how friends can make positive imprints on our lives and future dreams.

• Friends help develop important life skills
• Friends can help define your priorities
• Friends help you build your social circle
• Friends offer you support when you most need it
• Friends will give you a reality check when you need it
• Friends help you take on difficult tasks

A joint study between Kansas and Wellesley Universities saw psychology professors Angela Bahns and Chris Crandell debunk the concept that opposites attract. In this study, research suggested that in early interactions between strangers the level of like-mindedness impacted how the relationship grew.

Those who had a lot in common tended to see growth in their relationship but those who were vastly different did not interact as deeply in later stages. This shows that we find a deeper connection with people who have a similar life outlook or background to ours. This may not be the most healthy instinct in terms of socializing because we tend to not socialize as widely as we could. It does, however, have its benefits.

Why Like-Minded People Help With Your Dreams

Sometimes when you tell people, especially parents, your dreams and goals in life, they may not necessarily be supportive. The truth is some dreams can seem a little crazy and unattainable and other people will pick apart the idea and try to advise something easier and safer.

Just because others don’t think a dream is solid and attainable, doesn’t mean that you can’t achieve your goals. This is where the importance of like-minded people comes into play.

Those who understand you and think in a very similar way may even have the same dreams. If you share similar goals, then you immediately have an ally with whom you can work together to achieve your dreams. A like-minded friend or colleague can help you succeed, keep you motivated and push you forward while others may be urging you to give up.

Positive and Negative Like-Minded Connections

There is, of course, a potential pitfall when you surround yourself with like-minded people and this is connected to possible flaws in yourself. When you are a positive and supportive person who is willing to help others then the like-minded people around you will be the same way and this is fantastic for your dreams.

If, however, you are a competitive kind of person who will do whatever it takes to whomever in order to succeed, you have a problem. If you attract like-minded people who are equally ruthless, then you are creating an atmosphere of potential toxicity.
You need a level of self-awareness when it comes to interacting with like-minded individuals because as the old saying goes “There is no honor among thieves.”

This is why I encourage you to be a part of a Master Mind, a group of like-minded people who are pursuing similar goals and objectives. They may not think exactly the same as you, but they will definitely encourage and help you along the path to your goals.

In moments of confusion or difficulty, master mind members can guide you, give you tips, suggestions, and resources you might never find by yourself. And one of the best things about your master mind is that others hold you accountable to make sure you keep making forward progress.

Final Thoughts

When you have like-minded people around you and your own attitudes are positive and supportive, then you have a solid support network. These relationships can help you grow, improve, and find deeper focus as you seek to attain your dreams. When you have people, who understand your dreams and you share the dreams within your inner circle, life becomes easier.

This article originally appeared in the Summer 2021 issue of CHOICES Magazine