Are the People Around you By Design or Default?

Change & ResilienceGrowth & CourageLimiting Beliefs & Culture

Jan 13

January 13, 2025

Choose relationships out of design, not default. Your relationships—both personal and professional—should fuel your future, not just exist out of habit. Surround yourself with people who challenge, inspire, and elevate you, rather than those who keep you stagnant.

Let go of the wrong people and make space for the right ones around you.

They say you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. But when was the last time you stopped to ask yourself—who are those people, and are they truly adding to my life?

If you’re like me, you might notice that some of the people you’re maintaining relationships with – personally or professionally – are out of habit. You’ve known them forever, you’ve been through things together, or maybe they’re just… there. But just because someone has been in your life for years doesn’t mean they’re meant to be in your next chapter.

Take a look at the people you interact with most.

Are they aligned with your values, goals, and aspirations?
Do they challenge you to grow, push you to be better, and support your journey?
Or are they there out of convenience, do they reinforce old habits or feed into your limiting beliefs?

True connections serve a purpose beyond companionship. They should inspire, challenge, and elevate you. If you’re surrounding yourself with people who don’t reflect where you’re going, it might be time to rethink who gets your time and energy.

Being intentional about who you spend time with doesn’t necessarily mean cutting people off cold. It means recognizing which relationships fuel you and which ones drain you. Seeking out mentors, peers and friends who uplift you in the best of ways.

Here’s the real question: Are the people in my life here because they truly serve my growth, or just because they’ve always been here? If the answer leans toward the latter, it might be time to start shifting your circle to align with your potential, not your past.

Key Idea

Shifting your circle to align with your potential, not your past. Choose relationships out of design, not default. Your relationships—both personal and professional—should fuel your future, not just exist out of habit. Surround yourself with people who challenge, inspire, and elevate you, rather than those who keep you stagnant.

Takeaway

Let go of the wrong people and make space for the right ones around you

Build your Movement

Who are you spending the most time with personally and professionally? Are they aligned with who you are and where you’re going? Or, are they default?