The Question That Changed Everything For Me

Every species comes pre-installed with the ability to adapt to their environment.

But no species can change and adapt to the degree that humans can.

Unlike most animals, which (presumably) have little to no conception of a self, our prefrontal cortex allows us to expand the conception of our reality in a plethora of ways—far beyond the variance between any other animals of the same species.

Therefore, changes in our surroundings don’t just impact us on a biological level.

They impact the very basis of our internal identity.

A lot of us want to become someone greater.

We conceptualize a self more capable, more driven, more purposeful than our current one.

We create these dreams, but time and time again, we find ourselves staying who we always are—like an animal tied to it’s innate urges.

Our identity is built upon a variety of things—from our habits, to our daily thoughts, to our beliefs.

And while we try to change these things (which are all important to creating a new identity), we often leave out a crucial part of the process that makes all of these things easier:

Our environment.

Your environment determines what version of yourself will naturally come out of you.

If you live at home, your parents are paying for your rent, and you have no job, you will become the person that environment requires you to be.

If you have people who depend on you, and you are renting an apartment, you will become the type of person who assumes responsibilities so that those people don’t starve or go broke.

It’s part of the reason why I love upgrading my space so much.

Moving into new apartments always gives me the opportunity to have an easier time adapting to my next evolution.

And it usually comes with the necessary push to become more focused so I’m able to live in a better place.

The contours of your character will naturally be shaped by your surroundings.

So if you’re someone who struggles to evolve consistently, ask yourself this:

Does my current environment require me to become the version of myself I want to be?

Really, deeply think about this question.

And if the answer is no, then it’s time to start shifting the spaces in which you frequently occupy, or what type of responsibilites you need to assume.

Along with that, almost nothing has been as impactful towards my evolution and success as changing WHO I surround myself with has.

The people you hang with the most will determine your inclinations, beliefs and habits as much as your own self will.

But finding people passionate about self-improvement in real life is difficult.

It doesn’t really seem like anyone takes it seriously, and if you do open up about it, you often get laughed at.

I wanted to create an environment in which growth becomes the natural byproduct of spending time in that environment.

And that is why I created my Self Mastery School.

Self Mastery School is a community for those who want to actualize their greatest potential, strengthen their self awareness, and develop a fulfilling life philosophy.

When you join the school, you’ll get access to:

• Full length courses/eBooks (including my Ultimate Self Mastery Course)

• Weekly coaching calls and lectures with the members and I (related to self-awareness, making money online, social skills, etc.)

• An exclusive community of ambitious, open-minded people

The friendships in there feel genuine.

And I have a feeling you’re going to find your tribe in there, too.

Here's some wins from our community:

I’ll see you in there.

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Thanks for reading, everyone. Hope you enjoy your weekend.

-Cole