Are They Lifting You or Holding You Back? The Truth About Your Closest Relationships

In partnership with

Good morning Grinders,

Have you ever stopped to think about the five people you spend the most time with? No, I’m not talking about your childhood friends or the people you catch up with during your lunch breaks. I’m talking about the people who truly shape the direction of your life—the ones you’re closest to. How do they make you feel? Do they elevate you? Challenge you? Or are they the ones who hold you back, consciously or unconsciously?

In a world where we’re all striving for more—more success, more joy, more happiness—do you realize how much power the people around you hold? It’s more than you might think.

Scott Galloway, a sharp business thinker and a professor at NYU, brings up a concept that I can’t shake: “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Let that sink in for a moment. If you look around and find yourself among people who dream big, work hard, and challenge the status quo—chances are, you’re on the fast track to achieving greatness too. But if your circle is stuck in comfort zones, negativity, or apathy…well, it's time to take a long, hard look at who you're giving your energy to.

So let’s talk about it. Are the people around you helping you get closer to your dreams, or are they the ones who need a little shake-up?

The Power of Your Inner Circle

The people you spend the most time with influence everything—your mood, your mindset, your work ethic, and even your success. Think about it. When you spend time with someone who's ambitious and focused, doesn't their drive rub off on you? It’s no coincidence. Successful people gravitate toward each other, and that mutual energy makes everyone better.

Here’s a question for you: How many of your closest friends or colleagues genuinely make you feel like you can accomplish your goals? If you’re surrounded by people who encourage you, challenge you to think differently, and provide support when you need it, you’ve hit the jackpot. If not, it might be time to rethink some relationships.

Scott Galloway takes this one step further, claiming that your social circle is not only a reflection of who you are today but also a preview of who you’ll become.

Invest Wisely with The Daily Upside

In this current market landscape, we all face a common challenge.

Many conventional financial news sources are driven by the pursuit of maximum clicks. Consequently, they resort to disingenuous headlines and fear-based tactics to meet their bottom line.

Luckily, we have The Daily Upside. Created by Wall Street insiders and bankers, this fresh, insightful newsletter delivers valuable market insights that go beyond the headlines. And the best part? It’s completely free.

Join 1M+ readers and subscribe today.

Why the 5 People You Spend Time With Matter

The idea that "you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with" comes from the concept of social influence. Your environment shapes your decisions, habits, and behavior more than you realize. This includes your family, friends, coworkers, mentors, and even your social media networks. The energy around you either propels you forward or holds you in place.

Here’s why this matters:

Mindset is contagious: If your closest people are positive, resilient, and growth-oriented, those traits will rub off on you. You’ll find yourself thinking bigger, pushing harder, and believing in what’s possible for your life.

Energy is a currency: In today’s world, your energy is everything. The people around you either drain your energy or fuel it. It’s simple—choose wisely.

You can only grow as fast as the people around you: If you're always the smartest, most driven person in the room, you’ll plateau. You need people who push you beyond your limits, who challenge your ideas and beliefs, and who aren’t afraid to raise the bar.

Are Your Friends Helping You Build Your Empire? 

Now, let’s dive into some fun and valuable ways to audit your circle and ensure you're building the right community for your personal growth:

The Energy Shifters 🌟: These are the people who make you feel like anything is possible. They’re your cheerleaders, your motivators, and your accountability partners. They inspire you just by being themselves. If you don’t have these people around, seek them out. The right connections can spark massive change in your life.

The Idea Challengers 💭: Surround yourself with people who don’t just agree with you all the time. Find those who respectfully challenge your ideas. When someone asks, “Have you considered this angle?”—it should excite you, not frustrate you. These people will help you expand your thinking and push your creative limits.

The Realists 🧐: Yes, you need the realists in your circle—the people who keep you grounded. These are the folks who bring balance to the table. They’ll tell you when you’re being overly ambitious or when you’re chasing a pipe dream. They ensure that your dreams are still rooted in reality. While they keep you in check, they should also support your bigger visions.

The "Next-Level" Friends 🚀: These are the ones you look up to. They’ve been where you want to go, and they’ve done what you’re trying to do. They are the role models or mentors who set the standard for what’s possible. Get close to these individuals! Even if it’s in a more casual or professional way, learn from them and allow their success to inspire your own.

The Positive Forces 💪: Finally, you need people who radiate optimism. Life is full of challenges, but the best people around you are the ones who help you see the bright side. Even in tough times, they remind you that you’re capable of getting through anything. These people make you feel like you’re not alone in the journey.

Final Thoughts 💡

It’s said that “your network is your net worth”, but it’s even more than that. The people around you shape your mindset, influence your decisions, and impact your happiness. If you want to grow, surround yourself with people who make you feel unstoppable. Build relationships that challenge, inspire, and elevate you. And in return, you’ll become the type of person who inspires and empowers others.

So, who are the five people you’re spending the most time with? What are they teaching you about yourself and your potential?

Let’s make sure you’re surrounded by greatness.

Until next time, keep growing, keep pushing, and always surround yourself with people who help you be the best version of YOU.

Cheers,

N. Amadeus

2 Cards Charging 0% Interest Until 2026

Paying down your credit card balance can be tough with the majority of your payment going to interest. Avoid interest charges for up to 18 months with these cards.

Learn more