The Power of Your Environment: How the People and Places Around You Shape Your Success

In life, you are often told that you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. It’s an idea that’s deeply rooted in the belief that we are heavily influenced by the energy, attitudes, and behaviors of the people we surround ourselves with. But it’s not just the people. It’s the environments, the energy, and the places we find ourselves in that determine how we show up in the world.

We can easily overlook the profound impact that our surroundings have on us. Whether it’s the family you were born into, the friends you’ve chosen, the colleagues you work with, or even the media you consume, they all contribute to the mental and emotional space you inhabit. And in turn, they influence who you are, how you think, and ultimately, how successful you become.

If you’ve ever felt stagnant or stuck in life, it may not be because you aren’t putting in enough effort; it might be because you’re allowing the wrong energy to dominate your space. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of choosing your environment wisely, how it affects your success, and actionable ways to align your surroundings with your aspirations.

The Influence of Your Environment

The idea that we are shaped by the energy around us is not a new one. Many psychologists and thought leaders have explored how our surroundings impact our behaviors and perceptions. This idea is not just abstract; it’s deeply rooted in science.

Dr. Robert Cialdini, in his book Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, discusses how the social environment can shape decisions, behaviors, and even our values. The people around us exert a certain kind of social pressure—whether overt or subtle—that influences the choices we make, the things we prioritize, and the goals we pursue. This concept is tied to what psychologists call social conformity, where individuals adjust their behavior to align with the expectations and norms of the group they belong to.

A famous experiment conducted by psychologist Solomon Asch in the 1950s demonstrated just how easily people can be influenced by their peers. Participants were asked to compare the length of lines, and although the correct answer was obvious, many participants chose the incorrect answer because the group they were in had chosen it first. This experiment revealed how powerfully our environments influence our decisions—even when they are not in our best interest.

This “average” concept extends beyond our friends and family. Our work environment, the media we consume, and the experiences we expose ourselves to all shape our beliefs, our mindset, and ultimately, our outcomes in life. Your surroundings are a constant feedback loop that can either uplift or limit you.

The People Around You: Family, Friends, and Colleagues

1. Family: Your Foundation

Family plays an undeniable role in shaping who we are. Whether supportive or critical, they are often the first source of influence in our lives. The values, attitudes, and behaviors learned within the family unit are foundational, and they shape how we view ourselves and the world.

But not all family dynamics are supportive. Sometimes, family members can unintentionally drain your energy or limit your potential. Negative attitudes, criticisms, and limiting beliefs that come from those closest to us can become ingrained in our psyche if we allow them to. As you pursue success and growth, it’s crucial to ask yourself: Does my family deserve my best? Do they nurture your ambitions, or do they drag you down with their own fears and insecurities?

While it’s essential to love and respect your family, there may be times when you need to distance yourself from toxic energy. The idea isn’t to cut off relationships completely, but rather to limit the amount of time and emotional investment you give to individuals who don’t contribute positively to your growth. This may involve setting boundaries and deciding to spend less time with family members who don’t support your vision for the future.

2. Friends: Your Chosen Circle

The people you choose to spend your time with—your friends—are perhaps the most influential in shaping your mindset and attitude. As Jim Rohn famously said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” If you surround yourself with individuals who are constantly negative, unmotivated, or complacent, it’s easy to fall into the same patterns.

On the other hand, if you spend time with people who challenge you, inspire you, and hold you accountable, you are more likely to rise to the occasion. Your friends can push you to reach higher, try new things, and pursue dreams you might otherwise shy away from. In this sense, your friends can either be a catalyst for your growth or an anchor that holds you back.

3. Colleagues and Work Environment: Shaping Your Professional Path

The workplace environment plays a significant role in your success. The attitudes and behaviors of your colleagues, as well as the culture of your organization, can either empower you or hinder your progress. If your coworkers or boss have a growth mindset and share similar goals, your professional life will likely flourish. But if the workplace is filled with negativity, gossip, or a lack of direction, it will drag you down.

Creating a work environment that aligns with your goals is a key factor in your professional success. This can mean seeking out a company or team that values innovation, collaboration, and personal development. If your current job does not provide these opportunities, it may be time to reconsider your position or seek out environments that foster these qualities.

The Importance of Energy: Choosing Where You Invest Your Time

Your time and attention are finite resources. Once they’re spent, they can’t be reclaimed. And how you choose to spend those resources directly affects your success.

1. Draw the Line: Protecting Your Energy

Success is about being selective with where you invest your energy. Every person, task, and interaction demands a certain amount of your time and attention. Some things will contribute to your growth, while others will drain you. It’s essential to draw the line and make deliberate decisions about where you place your focus. Ask yourself: Does this person, activity, or interaction support my vision? Or does it simply take up space in my life without adding value?

Your goals require focused effort, and distractions or toxic energy will only serve to pull you away from what truly matters.

2. Position Yourself for Success

Ask yourself: Where can I position myself to support my goals? This question is crucial because your surroundings must align with your aspirations. Success does not happen in isolation. It happens when you are strategically surrounded by people and environments that elevate you, challenge you, and hold you accountable.

It’s okay to be selective about the spaces you inhabit—whether that’s choosing the right networking events, business partners, or social circles. If your current environment isn’t aligned with your goals, it’s time to make a change.

The Power of Ethical Success

It’s essential to recognize that success does not come at the expense of integrity. Success is ethical. True success is not about cutting corners, using others, or achieving goals through deceit. It’s about achieving your goals while maintaining your values, being of service to others, and making a positive impact on the world.

When you make choices that are in alignment with your values, you’ll attract the right kind of energy and people into your life. By standing firm in your beliefs and acting with integrity, you create a solid foundation for your personal and professional growth.

Conclusion: Make It Happen

In conclusion, your environment—the people, places, and experiences you expose yourself to—has an immense impact on who you become. To achieve your highest potential, you must choose wisely. Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you, seek environments that support your goals, and protect your energy by being selective with where you invest your time.

Success is not a random outcome; it’s a byproduct of the energy you attract and the choices you make. If you align your environment with your aspirations, you’ll find that your path to success becomes not only clearer but also more attainable.

Don’t be afraid to stand alone, to draw boundaries, and to position yourself in places that will support your dreams. The right people will show up when you make the decision to show up for yourself. Let’s make it happen. LIVEBIG—the world is waiting for you to step into your greatness.

References and Further Reading:

• Cialdini, R. B. (2007). Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion. Harper Business.

• Asch, S. E. (1951). Effects of Group Pressure Upon the Modification and Distortion of Judgments. Groups, Leadership, and Men, 177–190.

• Rohn, J. (1993). The Five Major Pieces to the Life Puzzle. Success Enterprises.

Remember, by making intentional decisions about the energy you allow in your life, you take a massive step toward becoming the person you were always meant to be.