GreatLIFE Community—
INFLUENCE! Last month, while attending the ResGen men’s event, I had yet another light bulb moment.
During one of the sessions, the speaker talked about a concept many of us have heard before…our “Top 5.” The idea is that you are largely shaped by the five people you spend the most time with.
It’s a principle that shows up in leadership books, conversations, and even some of the leadership development programs we use within GreatLIFE.
Sitting there that day, the message hit home in a deeper way.
When I was younger my parents were pretty laid back except for when it came to my friends. They were always very interested in, and intentional about, the people I spent time with. If they noticed I was drifting toward a friend group they didn’t know well, or didn’t necessarily feel was the best influence, they rarely told me I couldn’t spend time with those people.
Instead, they asked questions.
“Why do you enjoy being around them?”
“What do you like about that group?”
I can’t pinpoint exactly how they did it, but somehow those conversations always steered me back toward the friends who lifted me up and put me in a better position to succeed. Whether they knew it or not, they were helping to shape my Top 5 from an early age.
One of the moments I’m most grateful for from the event was getting a chance to briefly connect with two men who have influenced my life in different ways. One has been a mentor I’ve been fortunate to work alongside in Tom Walsh Sr. The other has mentored me through his books and writings for years, even though he had no idea who I was until that moment in John Maxwell.
As both of them approach 80 years old, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude that I had been introduced to their wisdom early in my life.
That moment brought me back to the people who have shaped who I am through my thoughts, my actions, my behaviors, and how I try to show up each day.
The people closest to us truly matter.
Being intentional about your “Top 5” may be one of the most important lifelong decisions we can make.
My challenge for you this month is this…
- Identify your five.
- Pour into those relationships.
- Allow them to pour into you.
Surround yourself with people who challenge you, encourage you, and help you grow…people who may even be stronger than you in certain areas and can help you become a better version of yourself.
Those relationships are often what carry us through both the best moments and the hardest seasons of life.
And as always, I want you to know how grateful I am that each of you chooses to spend part of your journey with us as members of the GreatLIFE community.
So this month, take a moment to think about your five.
Because the people around you don’t just influence your life…they shape who you become.
3 Takeaways:
1. Your circle shapes your future– The people you spend the most time with influence your mindset, habits, and direction more than you realize.
2. Be intentional, not accidental– Great relationships don’t happen by chance—choose people who challenge, encourage, and elevate you.
3. It’s a two-way investment– The best relationships are built when you both pour into others and allow others to pour into you.
GreatLIFE UPDATES:
- Recovery Space Now Open (Performance Center)
Our new Recovery Space is officially open and ready for you. Built to support performance, restoration, and overall well-being—stop in and check it out. - Golf Season is Underway
Courses are beginning to open as weather and conditions allow. Our teams have been hard at work all offseason—be sure to follow weekly golf updates for the latest on openings and course conditions. - Course Improvements You’ll Notice
From updated cart fleets to course enhancements across multiple locations, we’re continuing to invest in your experience. We’re excited for you to see the difference this season. - Member Benefits — More Value for You
We’re continuing to grow our Member Benefits program, bringing you exclusive offers from local and regional partners. If you have a business recommendation, let us know—we’re always looking to add value for our members. - New Menu at The Willows
If you haven’t yet, make a point to stop out and check out the new menu at The Willows. The team has done an outstanding job—great food, great atmosphere, and a great place to connect with family and friends. - Avera Race for the Cure — Join the GreatLIFE Team
The Avera Race for the Cure is coming up in May. If you don’t already have a team, we’d love to have you join ours as we support an incredible cause together.
BOOK CLUB:
This month’s book was The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle. Coyle explores what makes great teams work—not through talent alone, but through the environments they create. He breaks culture down into simple, repeatable behaviors that build trust, connection, and shared purpose. The book shows that strong cultures aren’t accidental—they’re built through consistent actions that make people feel safe, valued, and aligned.
Three Big Takeaways:
- Safety Builds Strong Teams – The best teams create a sense of psychological safety where people feel comfortable being themselves, sharing ideas, and even making mistakes. When people feel safe, they perform at a higher level.
- Vulnerability Drives Trust – Great leaders go first by admitting mistakes, asking for help, and being real. That vulnerability creates connection and gives others permission to do the same.
- Clarity Creates Purpose – High-performing teams consistently reinforce what matters most. Clear priorities, repeated messaging, and simple signals help everyone stay aligned and moving in the same direction.
NEXT MONTH’S BOOK:
The 5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom
POSITIVE THOUGHT:
Be intentional about who you surround yourself with…those people don’t just influence your life, they shape who you become.
Thanks as always for being part of the GreatLIFE community.
To the Journey,
Nick