It was put on by Ryan Lee – a real nice guy and probably the first pioneer for bringing fitness online.

Although this 3-day event featured some great speakers and was packed full of great learning, the real benefit to me was being surrounded by other fitness professionals who are doing really well online.

I talk a lot about the power of proximity and it basically means that your environment shapes you. When you surround yourself with people that are “better” than you (I use this term loosely as no one is really better than anyone else), you are forced to raise your game.

Not only do you learn a tremendous amount from others who have already blazed a trail before you but you can also develop some great friendships which inevitably benefit you and hopefully the other party as well.

I use this example from this past weekend but it can be applied to any area of your life. For instance, I love tennis. Therefore, for me to become a better tennis player I would be smart to play against players that are better than me.

Sure I’d get my butt whooped, but that’s how you improve.

If your goal is to lose weight, then you want hang around people who have already done so. They most likely know and do things that you don’t. You can learn from them and most importantly you can start to emulate what they do.

Let ‘s say you want to eat more raw foods. I know I do.

Wouldn’t it make sense to spend more of your time around people who are predominantly raw? Instead of going for brunch where you’re options would be pancakes, eggs, french toast, etc…hanging around “raw foodists” would open your eyes to many other food options in a similar situation.

I could give you example after example but the take home message is the same…

Surround yourself (and befriend) with those that have achieved the goals you’re striving toward.

That’s the power of proximity!

NOTE: In the picture above, I’m not implying that by hanging out with someone who has a serious head of hair, that will rub off on me! Cool picture nonetheless.