Success in personal, professional, or spiritual life is largely influenced by company. The surroundings and those we choose to associate ourselves with affect our productivity and mindset, thus our outcomes. Surrounding oneself with capable and ambitious people was the wisdom echoed throughout all ages—from ancient teachings to modern success stories. Syed Zulqarnain Ashraf, who is a founder of Noorain online institute highlighted the teachings of Sheikh Alaudaula Samnani, a respected figure from over 700 years ago, shared one thoughtful vision on this subject.
Syed Zulqarnain Ashraf said, “Keep people around you who can work properly. If you gather too much crowd, your performance will be affected. I am not saying that; 700 years ago, Sheikh Alaudaula Samnani, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said this. He said that a person who is useless could make even 100 people useless. If you want to work, whether it is business, worldly work, or religious work, and you want your work to progress, and you want to work in the future, then try to make all the people around you work. Either too many or average workers. If a useless person comes with you, then he will destroy your system.”
This wisdom vibrates with the challenges of modern life, where teamwork, collaboration, and the company we keep determine the success or failure of our accomplishments. This blog explores the profound impact of surroundings on success, provides prohibited strategies for cultivating a productive circle, and reflects on timeless wisdom that remains relevant in today’s world.
The Influence of Surroundings on Success
People are known to influence attitudes and decisions of people surrounding us, so influencing progress in life. Whether business-related, religious, or otherwise, success is always drawn from the environment developed in such places.
1. Productivity and Motivation:
Capable people will inspire and motivate those to whom they are uncovered toward greater performance. Working among skilled, driven people motivates a sense of personal responsibility and encourages growth as an individual. In return, associating with careless or unfocused people can raise the culture of contentment rather than progress.
2. Energy and Morale:
Energy is contagious. Being around energetic, hard-working people enhances the morale and creates an upbeat atmosphere. On the other hand, negativity or unproductiveness can sap energy, making it tougher to stay focused and productive.
3. Team Dynamics and Efficiency:
A well-coordinated team is the backbone to success. Every member adding value contributes effectively to an efficient task and achievement of goals. As Sheikh Alaudaula Samnani says, “Even one lazy individual can delay the working system, therefore creating inefficiency and disturbance.”
Lessons from Sheikh Alaudaula Samnani’s Wisdom
Sheikh Alaudaula Samnani was a saint turned spiritual guide. He realised that the surroundings do contribute significantly to success. He recommended abstaining from the company of “useless” people, not because one looks, down upon them but appreciates the influence factor that could affect one’s achievement.
1. The Ripple Effect of Negativity:
Sheikhpointed out, “One unproductive person makes 100 other people useless.” This can be related to the concept of ripples. One negative thought, laziness, or inefficiency may spread to a group of people and make them work less effectively with a resultant decrease in morale.
2. Quality Over Quantity:
A crowd of people cannot be effective if their qualities are not judged. For instance, it is not wise to have a group of unproductive people instead of an efficient team of few.
3. Role of Leadership:
As a leader, it is essential to be surrounded by people that have the same vision for themselves and are dedicated to being the best. Finding and developing talent will surely be the key to one’s mission, whether it’s business, religious work, or personal goals.
Practical Strategies for Cultivating a Productive Circle
The conscious addition of the teachings of Sheikh Alaudaula Samnani and Syed Zulqarnain Ashraf into your life is what matters. Here are some strategies to make your environment beneficial to your prosperity:
1. Evaluate Your Circle
Reflect on the people in your life weather it’s personal and professional. Are they encouraging, productive, and goal-orientated? If not, then maybe their presence is get in the way your progress.
2. Seek Like-Minded Individuals
Surround yourself with people who share your values and aspirations. Like-minded individuals provide encouragement, share resources, and collaborate effectively toward common goals.
3. Encourage Growth and Development
While it is important to work with capable individuals, it is equally essential to foster growth within your circle. Encourage those around you to improve their skills, pursue education, and contribute meaningfully.
4. Avoid Negative Influences
Distance yourself from people who repeatedly reveal unproductive or harmful behavior. That does not mean abandoning people in need, but you should know when their influence is interfering with your forward motion.
5. Set the Pace
Be the kind of person you want to attract. Act with integrity, work ethic, and a positive attitude, inspiring others to emulate you.
Applying This Wisdom in Other Areas of Life
1. In Business
The most successful businesses require teams that work together pleasantly. Hiring the best employees, training them regularly, and creating a work culture that is positive attracts customers. Not allowing less productive individuals into the mix keeps the business growing.
2. Religious and Community Work
The time spent in religious or community activities should be in collaboration with people who likes to have the passion for service. In the case of a focused team, projects that touch the lives of society will be successful.
3. Personal Life
Our personal life affects our thoughts, habits, and emotional well-being. Having positive, supportive friends and family members around keeps one balanced and focused on what is important in life.
Syed Zulqarnain Ashraf’s Contemporary Insights:
The teachings of Sheikh Alaudaula Samnani have been further highlighted by Syed Zulqarnain Ashraf, highlighting the modern context of the principles and reminding one how a productive circle needs to be fostered in an age of distractions and when teamwork is the key to success.
His thoughtfulness about not gathering a “crowd” that slows down performance says much about modern harms such as multitasking, overreaching, or working with incompatible teams. His advice encourages us to think of quality, efficiency, and harmony in our dealings. Positive things spread just like negative. Building a circle of effective, motivated people inspires success and productivity in others; the energy and success have a ripple effect that promotes a culture of excellence from which everyone benefits.
Conclusion
The Company we keep extremely influences our success, shaping our attitudes, decisions, and outcomes. As Sheikh Alaudaula Samnani wisely observed and Syed Zulqarnain Ashraf repeated, the presence of capable, productive individuals is essential for achieving progress in any work.
Whether in business, religious work, or personal life, a productive circle takes intentionality, leadership, and a commitment to quality over quantity. We can create an environment supporting our goals and enhancing our potential by evaluating our surroundings, seeking like-minded individuals, and fostering growth.
As Syed Zulqarnain Ashraf says: “If you’re aiming for your work to advance and you’re looking to work in the future, then strive to get everyone around you to engage in their tasks.”
Let’s implement this wisdom of time and work hard for circles of excellence that motivate, encourage, and inspire us toward success.
