Who I want to be – Part 1

How Changing Your Environment Can Transform Your Life

You’ve probably heard of the saying, “You’re a product of your environment,” and recently, I’ve started to really and truly understand just how powerful this idea is

I’ve been reflecting a lot on the influence of the people, places, and communities we surround ourselves with, and the more I think about it, the clearer it becomes: we are absolutely shaped by the environments we’re immersed in

As humans, we have an incredible ability to adapt. Whether it’s picking up habits, mindsets, or even entire lifestyles, the company we keep and the spaces we move in affect us in profound ways. This realization has been a wake up call for me. I’ve started to ask myself:

What kind of person do I want to become, and how can I change my environment to support that?


The Power of Your Environment

It’s almost impossible to escape the influence of your surroundings. If you’re surrounded by people who embrace change and think openly, like you might find in a place like Brighton, you’ll probably start adopting similar attitudes. Or, if you’re spending time with people who are passionate about motorsports, you’ll naturally find yourself gravitating toward that world, whether it’s through conversations, events, or even the car you end up driving

And it’s not just the good things. If you’re in an environment where drugs are the norm, like being around people who are using heroin, you’re more likely to slip into that lifestyle, even if you didn’t intend to. If the people around you are constantly negative, you might start seeing the world through a darker lens. It’s the same with mental health—if you’re constantly around people who are struggling and not addressing their mental wellbeing, you can feel it pulling you down too

It’s not just about face to face interactions, either. The online communities we engage with, our Facebook feeds, the Instagram accounts we follow, the groups we’re part of—all play a role in shaping our mindset and outlook

This realization has hit me real hard, especially as I’m focusing on living with more intention, staying away from old habits, and aiming for a healthier, more fulfilling life. I’m starting to feel like I’m outgrowing my current circles and that it’s time to shift toward an environment that aligns with the person I’m striving to become


Who I Want to Be: Defining My Core Values

To figure out how to move forward, I’ve been thinking about the values and desires that are most important to me. Here’s what I’ve come up with

  1. Continuous Learning and Personal Growth
  • I want to prioritize learning, reading, and doing creative work. I value mental growth and self-improvement deeply, and I want to cultivate practices like meditation to help me stay centered
  1. Mental Health and Spiritual Growth
  • Peace, connection, and purpose are things I’m seeking spiritually, and I’m feeling drawn to Buddhism as a path that can help me find that. I want to create a sense of stillness and meaning in my life
  1. Physical Health and Fitness
  • Health and fitness are crucial to me. I want to live a lifestyle that supports long-term physical well-being, making sure I’m fit and energetic as I move through life
  1. Meaningful Relationships
  • Honesty, emotional intelligence, and shared ambitions are the foundation of the relationships I want. I crave a romantic relationship that feels secure, and friendships that are grounded in mutual support and understanding
  1. Purpose and Career
  • I currently build websites, but I’m starting to feel drawn toward a deeper purpose, something that involves helping others more. Making a difference and feeling like I’m contributing to a greater good is important to me
  1. Adventure and Exploration
  • I crave new experiences, exploration, and unpredictability. I want to travel, try new things, and stay open to change while still maintaining some level of financial stability to keep me grounded

Reverse-Engineering My Ideal Environment

With these values in mind, I’ve been thinking about the environments that can nurture them. I believe that by intentionally placing myself in spaces that support the person I want to be, I can grow and evolve in the direction I desire. Here’s how I’m planning to change my environment to match my goals


1. Spiritual and Mindfulness Communities

Environment: Buddhist centers, meditation retreats, and spiritual study groups.

Why: To achieve the peace, connection, and purpose I’m craving, immersing myself in Buddhist teachings and practices makes sense. If I want spiritual growth, I need to surround myself with people who are walking the same path (and not people that just say they’re spiritual and don’t practice real spirituality)

Example: I’ve even applied to live in a monastery to fully dive into spiritual practice and reflection, because if I want spiritual growth, living in an environment built around mindfulness could be transformative

Actions:

  • Attend meditation classes or workshops at local Buddhist centers
  • Join online communities that focus on mindfulness and Buddhist teachings
  • Read Buddhist literature to deepen my understanding of peace and mindfulness

2. Health and Wellness Circles

Environment: Fitness clubs, yoga studios, and wellness retreats.

Why: Surrounding myself with people who prioritize health and fitness will help keep me accountable and motivated to stay on track with my physical well-being.

Example: Just like how being around people who love motorsport can make you start caring about cars, being around health focused individuals will naturally inspire me to adopt healthier habits.

Actions:

  • Join a new gym and take part in yoga (already doing martial arts classes)
  • Participate in wellness retreats that focus on holistic health and nutrition
  • Connect with fitness communities online for support and inspiration

3. Creative and Learning Networks

Environment: Writer’s workshops, art classes, and lifelong learning spaces.

Why: Engaging with people who are passionate about creativity and continuous learning will push me to keep growing and stay mentally stimulated.

Example: Being part of a radio station means I have access to a lot of music and creative inspiration. I want to expand that mindset into broader creative and intellectual pursuits, like writing or art.

Actions:

  • Enroll in a writing or art classes to develop my creative skills.
  • Join book clubs or discussion groups to challenge my thinking and keep learning.
  • Attend seminars or lectures on topics that fascinate me.

4. Purposeful Work and Service-Oriented Communities

Environment: Non-profits, social enterprises, and community service organizations.

Why: If I want my career to feel purposeful, I need to find environments where helping others is the focus. This aligns with my desire to make a difference and contribute to something greater than myself.

Example: Just like how being in an environment with people who are mentally unwell can pull you into their struggles, surrounding myself with people who are focused on service can inspire me to pursue a more purpose-driven career.

Actions:

  • Volunteer my website building skills for non-profits or charities.
  • Explore volunteer opportunities in fields that focus on social impact.
  • Connect with people who are dedicated to service and community building.

5. Travel and Adventure Groups

Environment: Travel meetups, adventure clubs, and cultural exchange programs.

Why: Since I value exploration, surrounding myself with other adventurers and travelers will fuel my desire for new experiences and open-mindedness.

Example: Just like how I’ve seen firsthand how people’s habits rub off on you, being around explorers and adventurers will inspire me to live a life full of unpredictable, exciting experiences.

Actions:

  • Join some travel clubs and adventure meetups to plan group trips.
  • Participate in some cultural exchange programs to expand my worldview.
  • Plan some solo or group trips that allow me to embrace the unknown.

Bringing It All Together: A Balanced Lifestyle

With these environments in mind, I’m ready to start making intentional decisions about where I spend my time and who I spend it with. I want to create a balanced routine that nurtures my mental, physical, and spiritual health while staying open to new experiences.


The Power of Intentional Change

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you can’t change people, but you can change yourself by changing your environment. The spaces, people, and communities I choose to engage with will shape the person I become. And as I move forward with more intention, I’m ready to embrace environments that align with my values and support my journey toward becoming the person I truly want to be.


Have you ever thought about how your environment affects your life? What steps can you take to create an environment that supports your personal growth?


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