“Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future.”
It’s an old saying, but wow, does it hit home when you think about it! The people we surround ourselves with have an undeniable influence on us—our mindset, our energy, and ultimately, our ability to achieve our goals.
The Inspiration
A few nights ago, I was reminded of this in the most beautiful way. I attended the book presentation of a friend—a night that wasn’t just about celebrating his poetry but also about witnessing his journey unfold. Let me tell you, there’s something magical about seeing someone go from “Can I do this?” to “I did it!”
But here’s what struck me the most: it wasn’t just about him. His joy spread like wildfire. It lifted everyone in the room. By the end of the night, I wasn’t just happy for him—I was inspired for myself, too. That’s the power of surrounding yourself with the right energy, and it’s what I want to talk about today.
Why Your Circle Matters More Than You Think
Let’s start with the obvious: your environment shapes you. We are social creatures, and the energy, beliefs, and habits of the people around us seep into our lives, often without us even noticing.
- Negative, draining people? They’ll drag you into their world of limitations and doubts.
- Ambitious, uplifting people? They’ll inspire you to dream bigger and take action.
Here’s the thing: growth and inspiration doesn’t just happen in isolation. They thrive in the right environment. You’re more likely to dream big and take bold steps when you’re surrounded by people who cheer you on, challenge you, and push you to think bigger.
The Ripple Effect of Inspiration
Take last night, for example. I wasn’t just inspired by my friend’s success—it was the conversations that followed that truly struck a chord. We didn’t just celebrate his achievement; we let it spark something in all of us.
As a group, we exchanged ideas, shared our goals, and dreamed out loud about the kind of lives we wanted to create. Each of us had a different vision of what growth looks like, and that diversity made the conversation electric.
For one person, it was launching a new project. For another, it was rethinking a big decision. For someone else, it was taking the first steps toward a long-held dream. It was one of those rare nights where you feel the energy in the air, and you know everyone is leaving the room a little more motivated, a little more alive. That’s the ripple effect.
Here’s what I realised:
- When you see someone else achieve something amazing, it reminds you that it’s possible for you too.
- Inspiration isn’t just a spark; it’s fuel. It can get you through the hardest, most challenging days.
- Surrounding yourself with achievers isn’t about comparison—it’s about expansion. Their growth pushes you to expand your own mindset.
That night reminded me that that energy is contagious. It can ripple out from one person to an entire group, shifting the trajectory of everyone’s lives in the process.When you’re surrounded by dreamers, doers, and believers, you start to believe you’re capable of anything too.
How to Curate Your Circle
Not everyone in your life will naturally fit into this category, and that’s okay! But if you’re serious about your personal growth, you need to be intentional about who you allow to have access to your time and energy. Here’s how to get started:
Take Inventory of Your Current Circle
Ask yourself:
- Do the people around me uplift or drain me?
- Do they inspire me to grow, or do they encourage me to stay in my comfort zone?
- Are they supportive of my goals and dreams, or do they make me feel small or naive for having them?
Be honest. It's not about critisizing other people but rather about being clear on how you feel around them.
2. Identify Your Ideal Circle
Think about the kind of energy you want to be surrounded by. Look for people who:
- Challenge you in a healthy, constructive way.
- Celebrate your wins (no matter how small).
- Are pursuing their own growth and dreams.
- Offer genuine, meaningful connections.
- You feel safe in the relationship with and inspired to grow into the best version of you
3. Make Space for the Right People
Look for opportunities to meet people who inspire you or who have already achieved something you want. Attend seminars, conferences and events with people you admire and say yes to activities that attract people with similar ideas, goals, mindset. You never know when you'll meet your new co-worker — or your new bestie.
4. Learn to Love the Big Fish, Bigger Pond Dynamic
Michael Saul Dell nailed it:If you’re the smartest person in the room, change rooms. Actually, don’t just look for smarter people—find kinder, more creative, or more daring people. Hanging out with humans who shine in areas you don’t will push you to grow in ways you never imagined.I’d go a step further: don’t just look for the smartest—seek the kindest, the gentlest, the most empathic. Surround yourself with people who embody qualities you admire, qualities you aspire to grow within yourself they will push you to grow in ways you never imagined.
The Energy You Give, The Energy You Receive
Let’s not forget that you’re also part of someone else’s circle. Are you the dreamer, doer, or believer in someone’s life? Do you uplift and inspire the people around you?I know it's not always possible. But is it most of the time? If you want to attract this kind of energy, you have to offer it yourself. Be the kind of person who celebrates others, who shares ideas freely, and who encourages those around them to reach their full potential.
Why It All Matters
I woke up yesterday after a late night out, and instead of feeling tired, I felt alive. Energized. Inspired. That’s the power of a meaningful evening surrounded by the right people. And that’s the gift you give yourself when you curate your circle intentionally.
The truth is, you can’t always control your circumstances, but you can absolutely control who you allow into your space. So take a moment to reflect on your circle today. Are they helping you become the best version of yourself? If not, what changes can you make? At the end of the day, life is too short for lukewarm coffee, bad vibes, mediocre company - or generally mediocre experiences.
And remember: inspiration is contagious. So be deliberate about your environment, because it’s shaping your future—whether you realize it or not.