About this quote

Spending time with people who excuse your weaknesses keeps you comfortable and stuck. Choose company that calls you out, demands better work, and holds you to higher standards. Ask who in your life forces you to act, not just feel good; prune what protects your excuses and double down on people who make you earn progress.

When to use it

• When a friend points out your bad habits and gives tough love, listen and change instead of getting defensive.
• If your team at work tolerates low effort, find colleagues who set higher standards and learn from them.
• Swap passive hangouts for a weekly accountability session with people who set goals and check your progress.
• Leave relationships that celebrate excuses; surround yourself with people who challenge you to improve.