Be Careful What You Take In:
Why Your Environment Shapes You More Than You Think

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to rise above their circumstances while others remain trapped by them?

Maybe you’ve heard stories of the outliers—the ones who overcome impossible odds, grow up in the worst neighborhoods, and still make it big.

It’s tempting to believe that grit and willpower alone can conquer any environment.

But here’s the uncomfortable truth: those stories are rare because most people are shaped by their surroundings far more than they realize.

Let me take you back to a conversation I had years ago with one of my senior Hapkido instructors.

He also happened to be a senior student of a Feng Shui master, and he dropped a truth bomb that hit me harder than any kick ever could:

At first, I fought against this idea.

I brought up examples of outliers, exceptional individuals who defied their circumstances.

He nodded, conceding the point, but then added:

That conversation planted a seed, and over time, I began to see the wisdom in his words.

Let me show you why being intentional about what you allow into your environment—your mind, your habits, your social circles—matters more than you think.

Step 1: The Power of Your Environment

Think about your surroundings right now.

The room you’re in, the people you spend the most time with, the content you consume every day.

How much of it did you choose, and how much of it just… happened?

We often underestimate how much we’re influenced by what’s around us.

It’s like water to a fish—so constant that you don’t even notice it.

Yet, it shapes you.

Take a simple example: your phone.

You open social media, scroll for a bit, and before you know it, you’ve spent an hour taking in content that someone else curated for you.

Think about that.

Every meme, every reel, every article you click on—it’s shaping your thoughts, your emotions, even your values.

Now expand that idea.

What happens when you’re surrounded by negativity?

By people who complain all the time, who tell you that your dreams are foolish?

Or, on the flip side, what happens when you’re surrounded by people who challenge you, inspire you, and push you to be better?

Your environment whispers to you every day. And if you’re not careful, those whispers turn into your internal dialogue.

Step 2: Why Most People Fall Prey to Their Environment

In 2004, I was sitting with my Muslim cousin, Abdalrahman, at Fishawi’s Café in Cairo.

We were joking about cultural norms, and he made a comment that stuck with me:

He was talking about conservative clothing in his culture, but the principle applies universally.

Want to avoid overeating?

Don’t stock junk food in your pantry.

Want to stay focused?

Don’t work next to a TV blaring your favorite show.

Most people fail to overcome their environment because they don’t realize how much it affects them.

They think they’re stronger than they are.

They assume they can scroll mindlessly on their phone for hours, binge-watch Netflix, and still maintain clarity, discipline, and purpose.

But here’s the reality: humans are creatures of habit.

Left unchecked, your environment becomes a cage, dictating what you see, how you think, and ultimately, who you become.

Step 3: The Echo Chamber Problem

Let’s take it a step further.

We live in an age where algorithms dictate what we see.

Whether it’s politics, fitness advice, or the latest debate on “which martial art is best for a real fight,” we’re constantly pushed into echo chambers—silos of information where only one perspective is amplified.

At first, it feels comforting.

You’re surrounded by people who think like you, validate your beliefs, and tell you you’re on the right track.

But over time, this comfort becomes dangerous.

Why?

Because when you stop challenging your beliefs, you stop growing.

I’ve seen this play out on the mat.

Some martial artists cling to the idea that their style is the best, refusing to explore or test other approaches.

They dismiss anything outside their silo without question.

And when they’re faced with someone who trains differently, they crumble.

The same is true off the mat.

Whether it’s your political views, your approach to health, or your career strategy, staying in an echo chamber limits your ability to think critically. It blinds you to other possibilities.

Step 4: The Warrior’s Way: How to Think for Yourself

Being a leader—a warrior—means breaking free from those silos.

It means thinking for yourself.

But how do you do that?

1. Expose Yourself to Variety: Just like a martial artist cross-trains in different disciplines, you need to expose yourself to diverse perspectives. Read books by authors with opposing views. Engage in conversations with people who challenge your beliefs.
2. Test Everything: Don’t take anyone’s word as gospel—not even mine. If someone tells you intermittent fasting is the best way to eat, try it for yourself. If a mentor swears by a productivity hack, put it to the test. Keep what works, discard what doesn’t.
3. Audit Your Inputs: Be ruthless about what you let into your environment. Who do you follow on social media? What kind of news do you consume? Who are the five people you spend the most time with? If any of these inputs are dragging you down, it’s time to make a change.
4. Create Your Own Echo Chamber: This might sound counterintuitive, but hear me out. While it’s important to challenge yourself, it’s equally important to surround yourself with people who elevate you. Build an “echo chamber” of excellence—friends, mentors, and content that inspire you to be your best.

Step 5: The Joy of Curating Your Environment

Here’s the fun part: curating your environment isn’t about deprivation.

It’s not about saying “no” to everything.

It’s about saying “yes” to the things that matter.

Imagine your environment as a garden.

You get to decide what to plant.

You can choose to grow flowers that bring beauty, vegetables that nourish, or weeds that take over.

Every decision you make—what you read, who you spend time with, what habits you cultivate—is a seed.

And the best part?

You’re in control.

When I started paying attention to my own environment, everything changed.

I stopped following negative people on social media.

I replaced junk TV with audiobooks.

I spent more time with people who challenged me and less time with those who drained me.

The result?

I felt lighter.

More focused.

More aligned with my goals.

And the best part?

This isn’t a one-time decision.

It’s an ongoing process of self-discovery.

Every day, you get to refine your environment, test new inputs, and grow into the person you’re meant to be.

Your Mom Was Right

The truth my Hapkido instructor shared years ago is one I’ve come to see in every area of life:

Most people can’t overcome their environment.

But you’re not most people.

You’re reading this because you’re willing to challenge yourself.

To think critically.

To take ownership of your life.

And that starts with being intentional about what you take in.

Audit your inputs.

Expose yourself to variety.

Test everything.

Build a garden of ideas, relationships, and habits that nourish you.

Because in the end, your environment isn’t just where you live—it’s who you become.

So take a moment today to look around.

What’s shaping you?

Who’s influencing you?

What seeds are you planting in your garden?

The answers to those questions will shape your story.

Make sure it’s one worth telling.

And thank your mom for telling you not to hang out with certain people.

P.S. If you found this content helpful, I have a favor to ask.

Actually two of them, a selfish one and a not-so-selfish one.

First the selfish one, if this was helpful to you, forward it to someone you think it might help. That helps me to grow my reach.

Now the not-selfish one, the one thing I learned on the mat and on the job was that the most successful leaders were not the ones who knew the most but were the ones who applied and taught the most.

So, if you want to be a better leader, do two things, take immediate action on what you learned today AND share it with someone else. You'll look badass, I promise you.

Also, if you have any questions, comments or suggestions, hit me up, reply to this email and let me know what's going on and how I can help you to be a better warrior, leader, and badass.

Thank you, I appreciate you being here in The Daily Dojo, you can learn more at CharlesDoublet.com​