# Chapter 93

“According to Keith Ferrazzi, the real path to success in work and life is through creating an inner circle of "lifeline relationships." These are deep, close relationships with a few trusted individuals who will offer the encouragement, feedback, and generous mutual support you need to reach your full potential.”

Earl says, “You have really good friends.”

This was not always the case, but it is definitely the case now and my life is ever richer because of it. Ferrazzi had it just right. I would do just about anything for these fellows and they for me. I vacation with them, I travel around the world with them, I drive across entire states to just have a single meal with them. They are worth that and so much more. The gifts of their friendships are incalculable.

When Earl says, “You have really good friends.” It is a statement of highest admiration. It is the crown of a life that is being lived well. You will never be worthy of these kinds of people in your life, and if you feel like you are, then you need to reassess the caliber of your friends, and your judgement.

The support I get from these men and women is so humbling. This is why you and I will never be worthy of these kinds of people. I still don’t know the boundaries of how far they are willing to go for me. They just give and give and give. And it makes me want to give back and invest and try to out-give them as if that were possible.

They all insist that I was this for them first. And that this was how it all started. I began the cycle. But from where I am sitting, they definitely began the cycle. Confused? Don’t be. Just be the kind of person you want others to be.