In college, I thought my dreams were silly. So much so that I didn’t even bother to take Creative Writing classes. But now I’m working toward my goal of writing and publishing novels. What changed between college and nine years ago when I started writing? I surrounded myself with extremely driven and optimistic people.

Following college, I started learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Each evening, I trained with people from all walks of life, all with varying dreams, but all of whom shared one common trait: they set goals for themselves, they worked with all of their energy to achieve those goals, and they encouraged everyone else to do the same.

Mindsets are infectious. I found myself changing from being the type of person who thought dreams were a waste of time, to being a person who thought I could achieve anything I wanted if I was willing to put in the time and effort to make it happen. I went from being a person who thought it was easier to criticize others than it was to support them, to being someone who wanted to help everyone else work toward their goals as well.

But it’s not only positive mindsets that are infectious. So are negative ones. Which is why it’s critical not to give any time or energy to anyone who would make you doubt your dreams or attempt to bring you down rather than build you up. When you are trying to believe in yourself for the first time, it doesn’t take much from friends or family--a snide remark, a veiled putdown—to keep you feeling like your goals might be a waste of time.

Today, I’m happier and feel more fulfilled than ever before. And it’s all because I’ve surrounded myself with driven and optimistic people, and I stay away from anyone with a negative, nay-saying attitude. To all the people who have encouraged me: thank you. And to everyone who needs a little positive support: no matter what your dream is, the sooner you begin working toward it the happier you’ll be.