We’re greatly influenced by those around us, especially people we spend most of our time with at work, home and play. If forward motion is the goal, and we’re stuck, new connections might be the way out. If we want to write more or become a better writer, hang out with writers. Same goes for science, music or farming. The key to leveling up in anything is to do it…and to engage with others who are doing it. It can be uncomfortable, especially when we’re the new arrival or relatively unskilled. But the discomfort always fades. It’s merely a portal to new ideas, new methods and new perspectives. The key then isn’t just to decide to swim. It’s to choose who to swim with next. Choose wisely.