How Social Networks Shape Your Habits
Turns out you are not the average of the five people you spend the most time with.
There’s a famous quote by Jim Rohn everyone throws around:
“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”
I know some might say I’m splitting hairs, but to me, this quote isn’t factually accurate.
Nicholas Christakis and James Fowler disproved this with their three degrees of influence theory.
Read my LinkedIn article if you want a summary of their fascinating 30-year research study on smoking and want to hear my take on what I think we can do with this information. 🚬
Weirdly enough, I came across this research ^^ when I was writing a non-fiction book I decided not to publish. While the book will never see the light of day, I felt like this info (and the implications of it) was too interesting to sit on.
This week in my spin class I talked about protecting your joy because I was inspired by this clip Shonda Rhymes posted on her IG.
I challenged my riders to intentionally spread some joy this week because, collectively, I think we need it. I want to extend this challenge to you as well.
If you’re not sure where to start, here are some creative ways to spread joy:
Surprise someone with flowers.
Leave someone a nice voice note or write a thoughtful text message.
If you live in a different city than your friends and family like I do, write and mail them a postcard!! I bought this book of postcards (not from Amazon, but from my local bookstore) and sending them has brought me a lot of joy.
Send someone a song that reminds you of them.
Surprise someone with a treat.
Smile at a stranger (only if it feels right + genuine! Don’t force it!).
Stay weird. Spread some joy.
— Reggie