is your circle holding you back?
- Ronja Hübscher
- Mar 31
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 5
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Ever wondered why some people leave you feeling energized while others seem to drain your energy? Well, it's no accident. The people you surround yourself with, both in real life and online, have a profound impact on who you become. In today’s episode, I take a deep dive into the five people you're spending the most time with—because that, my friend, is shaping your future more than you think.
The Power of Your Inner Circle
We’ve all heard the saying, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with,” but how often do we truly reflect on it? Your inner circle can either elevate you or hold you back. If you're constantly surrounded by negativity, small thinking, or criticism, you’ll find yourself absorbing these behaviors without even realizing it. On the other hand, when you surround yourself with driven, ambitious individuals, you'll naturally begin to level up.
It’s Not Just About In-Person Interactions
Here’s something you might not have thought about: your online environment matters too. We spend so much time scrolling through social media, following people who either inspire or drain us. But who you follow online is just as crucial as who you spend time with in person. If your feed is filled with negativity, gossip, or drama, guess what? Your thoughts and actions will likely reflect that. But if you follow people who inspire you, challenge you, and educate you, you’ll start seeing a shift in your mindset—and in your life.
The Social Media Audit
So, how do you fix this? Start with a simple social media audit. I do this at least once or twice a year because I know how much the people I follow influence me. If you’re constantly exposed to negative content or superficial drama, it’s time for a change. You can easily mute stories, unfollow accounts, or reset your “For You” page to prioritize content that pushes you toward growth.
Ask Yourself These Questions
To determine if your circle is uplifting or holding you back, ask yourself:
Are they challenging you to be better?
Do they inspire you by their actions, not just words?
Do you feel energized after spending time with them or consuming their content?
Do they take action rather than constantly complain?
If the answer is no, it's time for a change. Audit your circle and make intentional decisions about who you allow into your life.
Don’t Cut Off Everyone, Just Intentionally Seek Better Influences
It’s important to remember that you don’t need to cut off everyone in your life who doesn’t meet your standards. Sometimes, people in your circle may not be a bad influence—they just need to be nudged in the right direction. You can limit your interactions with negativity, shift the conversation, or even follow more uplifting content online. The key is to seek out influences that push you forward, and gradually, those will become the voices you hear the most. And guess what, if you don't like the interactions but want to keep them in your circle, lead by example and change the subject or communicate what you'd like to see and talk about more of instead.
Remember, who you surround yourself with—whether in person or online—is shaping your future. If you're not where you want to be, it could be because your circle isn't pushing you forward. Take action today and start curating a circle that inspires, challenges, and uplifts you. Upgrade your circle, and you’ll upgrade your life.
Take a moment to audit your five biggest influences—your friends, family, and social media accounts. Are they helping you become the person you want to be? If not, it’s time to make a change.
