Show Me Your Circle, and I’ll Show You Your Future

There’s an old saying by Jim Rohn: “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”

Many thinkers have expressed this idea in different ways over the years. One version that always stayed with me is from Kevin Trudeau, who said, “Your income is the average of your five best friends.”

—Kevin Trudeau, Nuggets of Gold, sentence 51, https://nuggetsofgold.com

Across various cultures and communities, people tend to gather with others from similar social and financial backgrounds. If you have ever watched an inauguration in the United States, you might have noticed how the guests often include billionaires, generals, politicians, former presidents, and prominent figures tied to industry and power.

Visit a country club, golf course, luxury restaurant, or an airport lounge reserved for first-class travelers, and you’ll see executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals who share similar levels of success. Of course, there are always exceptions. Yet, if you step into a neighborhood diner or an affordable café, you’ll mostly meet people from the working class.

Neither group is superior to the other. The real point is that people naturally spend time with others who earn similar incomes, live comparable lifestyles, and hold common interests or careers.

A while ago, I watched a video by Ali Abdaal, the productivity YouTuber. He was showing what a typical YouTuber’s desk looks like. What caught my attention was how closely connected many of these creators were, even though they lived across different parts of the world. They often collaborated and supported one another, which I found impressive and inspiring.

Let me share a true story that reflects this principle. About twenty-five years ago, one of my father’s friends went through a remarkable transformation. At first, he had a decent job, lived in an apartment, and drove a modest car. He was part of the working class, but his circle of friends was quite different. Most of them were earning far more than he was.

Over time, we noticed clear changes in his life. He bought a home in an upscale neighborhood, owned three cars instead of one, purchased a cottage, and launched a business that became highly profitable. Even during the 2020 lockdown, when countless companies shut down, his business continued to thrive. Surrounding himself with successful people truly changed his path.

I later met one of his close friends—a well-known doctor in town. This man lived in one of the city’s most luxurious apartments, and his home looked like a museum filled with art and gifts from around the world. Being around people of that level naturally pushed my father’s friend to elevate his lifestyle and mindset.

To give a simple example: imagine you go out with your family and friends once a month and spend around $150. That might feel comfortable. But if your new circle regularly meets at high-end restaurants where the bill is $500 twice a month, you might start to feel financial pressure. Most people would step back and return to more affordable social circles. Yet, a few—like my father’s friend—choose to push forward and find ways to earn more so they can maintain that standard.

You might think he just got lucky or met the right people at the right time. But luck had little to do with it. When he started his business, he worked day and night, faced immense stress, and nearly lost everything. His marriage almost ended, and bankruptcy was close. But he kept going, sacrificing comfort and stability until his business grew strong enough to run without his constant effort. Eventually, he reached a point where his income flowed steadily, even when he wasn’t there.

The people around us influence us deeply—sometimes in positive ways, sometimes not. It isn’t always because they mean harm. Often, when someone begins to grow faster than their peers, others feel uncomfortable or insecure. It challenges their own sense of self-worth.

That doesn’t mean cutting ties with family or friends. It simply means protecting your dreams and choosing your environment wisely. Spend more time with people who are driven, inspiring, and supportive—those who are wealthier, happier, healthier, more active, or more accomplished in areas you want to improve.

If one of your goals is to be a great parent, spend time with families whose children are joyful and well cared for. If your goal is personal or financial growth, find people who embody the life you aspire to live. You can connect with such individuals on Discord, Reddit, Instagram, Facebook, or through local groups like Toastmasters, Freemasonry, or country clubs.

Personally, I have found great value in the Global Information Network, a club dedicated to helping people create better lives. It’s not a business or an MLM. It’s a private community of successful individuals who share practical teachings and proven methods for achieving more in life. You can visit www.globalinformationnetwork.com to learn more.

When you place yourself in a supportive and uplifting environment, your thoughts, habits, and results begin to align with success. You gain encouragement, perspective, and guidance from those who believe in your potential.

You deserve that kind of community—and I know you have what it takes to build it.