The Power of Your Circle: How the People Around You Shape the Person You’re Becoming
When I was younger, my mom used to tell me, “If you want to see your future, look at who you spend your time with now.”
At the time, I thought it was just her way of warning me to make “good choices.” But now, as an adult, I see it for what it really was—a truth about energy, influence, and alignment.
Who we surround ourselves with doesn’t just predict where we’ll go; it shapes how we think, feel, and show up in the world. It impacts our health, our happiness, our ability to handle adversity, and even our sense of possibility.
Energy Is Contagious
We often underestimate how much we absorb from the people closest to us. Negativity spreads just as easily as joy. In fact, research shows that people who consistently adopt negative mindsets tend to experience higher levels of loneliness. It’s not just because others pull away—it’s also because pessimism isolates us from connection.
I’ve seen this firsthand in my own life. There was a season when I surrounded myself with the complaint crew—a group of wonderful, well-meaning people who bonded over what wasn’t working. We’d vent, commiserate, and call it connection.
But the truth? That kind of talk was holding me back. It wasn’t helping me grow—it was keeping me stuck.
I remember one evening looking around the table, realizing that every one of us had so much to be grateful for—and yet, here we were, feeding our frustration. That night, I made a decision: I wanted better.
Choosing Better Energy Changed Everything
When I started intentionally spending time with people who inspired me—people who were curious, purpose-driven, and kind—I noticed a profound shift. My mindset lifted. My opportunities expanded. My joy returned.
Because here’s the thing: When you choose better people, everything else gets better too.
Surrounding yourself with positive, growth-minded individuals can:
Inspire and motivate you. The right people help you see what’s possible and stretch beyond your comfort zone.
Boost your confidence. Encouragement builds belief. You begin to trust yourself again.
Increase your happiness. Positivity is contagious—and laughter shared with the right people heals.
Build belonging. When you’re surrounded by people who “get it,” you stop feeling like you have to do it all alone.
Create stronger memories. Good people don’t erase the challenges; they help you find the beauty within them.
Gratitude for the Circle That Holds You
When I look at my life today—the joy, the gratitude, the resilience—I know much of it is because of the people I’ve chosen to walk beside me. My family. My friends. My teammates. My clients. They are my anchors and my mirrors, reminding me who I am and who I’m becoming.
Life was never meant to be lived alone.
And when you surround yourself with people who lift you higher, you start to realize—you were never meant to do it all by yourself.
So this week, take a moment to look around your circle.
Are they helping you grow? Inspiring you to be better? Reminding you of your strength?
If not, maybe it’s time to expand your circle—and your future.
I’m Krista Ryan
My job is to help you learn a little, laugh a lot, and get clear on action steps for your success.
It may have taken a life changing event to shake me awake and decide I no longer wanted to live a comfortable life… I wanted to embrace the discomfort and live a life of courage and intention.
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