“Tell me what company you keep and I’ll tell you what you are.”- Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra

No one succeeds on their own.  Whether in business, family and/or school, the people around us have a major influence in helping us to accomplish our goals.  For instance, in business, you have to the support of  your colleagues, customers and employers to ultimately become successful.

These individuals who help to inspire and motivate us, are known as Chief Inspiration Officers or CIO.  Our CIOs are our personal cheerleaders, when we’re tired and feeling drained, they tell us to “keep going”, when we’re about to make a wrong move, they tell us “don’t do it” and when we’re feeling uninspired and stuck,  they help us find our path.

My mom is my CIO.  My mom, whom I call my “ride or die”, always has my back.   I remember, after I got my driver’s license, she bought me a used Cavalier and once that start having issues, she got me Ford Taurus, but then I started having issues with that car as well.  Shortly afterwards, one day I waited for her to pick me up from work, I came outside to a NEW Toyota Corolla with her in the driver’s seat.  I was the happiest girl on earth! Not to mention, she paid for my college tuition before I decided to quit, then go back.

She will stay on me about stuff until I do something about it.  She was the one who kept telling me to switch from blogger to wordpress.  I wasn’t listening at first, but eventually I did, thanks to mom.  She also let me post a pic of her without makeup, when I gave her a makeover.  She’s always 10 steps ahead, allowing me to see the best in myself.

Even outside of family, I’m all about keeping a positive circle of friends who inspire me.

I think Oprah said it best, “Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher”.

Who’s your CIO?