Knowledge vs. Environment

 Education is Key to Success, But So Is the Environment You Engage With Every Day

We tend to focus on education as the primary driver of success, often neglecting the environment in which we are situated. Yet, knowledge alone is not enough. It helps you discover principles, the ‘right way,’ and then convert those insights into daily choices guided by values. However, your values can easily intermingle with those of your circle or community.

In fact, it’s very easy for this to happen because your circle often includes your parents and the community that raised you. Naturally, you’ve adopted their worldview and preferences. With the acquisition of knowledge, you’re attempting to reverse, relearn, and unlearn unproductive preferences and habits. But reversing and unlearning is an exceedingly uncertain process—one that requires more than just intellectual effort. It’s crucial that you change your environment simultaneously.

Why? Because what you learn can easily be used against you if your environment doesn’t support your growth. Phrases like, “You’re mean,” “You’re too ambitious,” “You’re not realistic,” or “You’re too serious,” can quickly undermine your progress.

In my opinion, great knowledge will only thrive when you are in an environment that recognizes, appreciates, and honors that kind of knowledge. This often boils down to your character and choices, which are deeply influenced by your surroundings.

As Darren Hardy wisely observed:

“The people with whom we spend our time determine what conversations dominate our attention, and to which attitudes and opinions we are regularly exposed. Eventually, we start to eat what they eat, talk like they talk, read what they read, think like they think, watch what they watch, treat people how they treat them, even dress like they dress.”

In other words, the environment you engage with every day shapes who you become just as much as the knowledge you acquire. To truly succeed, it’s essential to not only focus on your education but also carefully curate the environment that nurtures your growth.

Cancelo Alvarez

Reading time: 1.5 minutes

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