Ep 24 | Why I Keep My Circle Small And Why You Should Too

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Have you ever noticed how certain people leave you feeling energized and inspired, while others seem to drain your motivation?

It's not just in your head. The people you surround yourself with have a profound impact on your success, happiness, and overall well-being.

Let's dive into why your inner circle matters so much and how to cultivate relationships that propel you forward.

The Power of Your Social Environment

We've all heard the saying, "You're the average of the five people you spend the most time with." But the truth is, it goes even deeper than that. Your social circle doesn't just influence your average - it can actually pull you down to the lowest common denominator if you're not careful.

Think about it: If you're the most ambitious person in your group, you might find yourself constantly explaining or defending your goals. Over time, this can lead to you downplaying your ambitions or worse, giving up on them altogether.

Key Takeaway: Your environment shapes you more than you might realize. Choose it wisely.

Recognizing Energy Vampires

Some relationships can be particularly draining. Here are signs to watch out for:

• People who constantly focus on the negative

• Those who can't let go of past grievances

• Individuals who always have excuses for why things won't work

• People who regularly gossip or put others down

After spending time with these types of people, you might feel exhausted, sad, or even doubtful about your own path. That's a clear sign that something needs to change.

Action Step: After your next few social interactions, take a moment to reflect on how you feel. Are you energized or drained? Inspired or deflated? Let these feelings guide your future choices about who to spend time with.

The Traits of Uplifting Relationships

On the flip side, truly beneficial relationships have some common characteristics:

1. Mutual support and encouragement

2. Shared problem-solving and solution-focused thinking

3. Genuine excitement for each other's successes

4. A balance of giving and receiving

5. Inspiration to grow and improve

These are the people who make you want to be better, who challenge you in positive ways, and who leave you feeling motivated and capable.

Quick Tip: Seek out people who are where you want to be, whether that's in fitness, career, or personal development. Their habits and mindset will naturally rub off on you.

The Courage to Curate Your Circle

One of the hardest parts of this process is realizing that some long-standing relationships might not be serving you anymore. It's okay to create some distance or even let go of relationships that consistently bring you down.

This doesn't mean cutting people off abruptly. Instead, you can:

• Gradually reduce the time you spend with negative influences

• Set boundaries around topics of conversation

• Seek out new connections that align with your goals

• Invest more energy in existing relationships that uplift you

Remember, this isn't about being elitist or abandoning people who are struggling. It's about ensuring that your primary social circle supports your growth and well-being.

Reflection Point: Who are the top five people you spend the most time with? How do they influence your habits, mindset, and ambitions?

Becoming a Positive Influence Yourself

As you curate your circle, don't forget to consider what kind of influence you are on others. Are you the kind of person others feel energized around? Do you support and encourage your friends' growth?

By focusing on being a positive force in others' lives, you'll naturally attract similar people into your own circle.

Challenge: This week, make a conscious effort to be uplifting in your interactions. Offer genuine compliments, show interest in others' goals, and look for ways to add value to your relationships.

Conclusion: Your Circle, Your Future

The people you surround yourself with are more than just friends or acquaintances - they're the architects of your future self. By consciously choosing to spend time with those who inspire and challenge you, you're setting yourself up for growth and success.

Remember:

• Evaluate how you feel after spending time with someone

• Seek out relationships that energize and inspire you

• Have the courage to distance yourself from consistently negative influences

• Strive to be a positive force in others' lives

Your inner circle has the power to elevate you to new heights or hold you back. Choose wisely, and watch as your world transforms around you.