Breaking Away From the Group: Ask Noah

Look at your professional goals. Think about whether the job you're currently employed in supports your own evolution as a person, and how it helps/hurts long-term plans. Sometimes we follow the career path of family and friends out of laziness or fear. Figure out if membership in this social group is having a negative effect on professional choices.

Are there talents or interests that you have not tapped into? We often fail to really latch onto inherent gifts. We are scared of our own strengths and excelling at them, or we feel that investing in our own interests is self-indulgent. I understand that it may be fun hanging out at the bar with old college friends; but it would be a shame if this limits the amount of time spent discovering and nourishing other activities you enjoying doing. Do not to be limited by the repetitive activities of a familiar group.

Do you want to get married or be in a committed relationship? Friendships are incredibly important. However, there are only 24 hours in a day. If you're spending the majority of free time "hanging" with old high school/college buddies, this can limit the availability and energy needed to find someone you really love. Commitment to another is not merely an accessory to be added to your previous social calendar. It can and should be a profound addition. You need to be available.

To be an essential member of a personally fulfilling group can be very empowering. However, it can also keep you stuck. It's tricky to break away from a set way of living life and a culture that nourishes and protects you. Regardless, in order to experience real growth, we need to challenge the sometimes staid comfort of staying put.

Strong group relationships have lasting value. Have confidence that they can be sustained, even as you re-evaluate life goals.

Thank you for the question, and remember veering off the familiar path, although scary, can be ultimately very rewarding.

Please send all questions and comments to "ASK NOAH' at nskass@gmail.com.

Watch my appearance this week on the Dylan Ratigan Show.

Have a profitable and peaceful week,

Noah