Have you ever noticed how some people drain your energy, while others leave you feeling lighter, stronger, and more inspired to chase your goals? That’s not a coincidence. That’s the power of the company you keep.
Your circle matters — more than you may realize. The people you surround yourself with shape how you see yourself, what you believe is possible, and how far you go in life. If you’re always around negativity, it will slowly chip away at your confidence, but when you’re surrounded by people who clap when you win, challenge you to be better, and hold you accountable to your dreams, you flourish.
At Proudtobeme, we call these “growth friendships.”
Friendship is more than just hanging out or laughing at inside jokes (though those are great too). Real friendship is about influence. It’s about whose voice rings in your head when you’re about to make a decision. It’s about who picks you up when you fall, and who reminds you who you are when you forget.
If you’ve ever had a friend who believed in you when you didn’t believe in yourself, you know exactly what I mean. That one friend who says, “Of course you can do this — I’ll help you figure it out.” Or the one who challenges you to study harder, show up bolder, and dream bigger. Those are growth friends.
Here’s a little challenge for you: take a look at your group chat. Scroll through your last few conversations. What’s the tone? Are your friends hyping you up? Are they encouraging you to stay focused? Or is it all negativity, gossip, and distractions?
Whether you notice it or not, your group chat is shaping you. If it’s full of people who laugh at your dreams, constantly criticize, or never take life seriously, chances are, you’ll start to pick up those habits too. If it’s filled with people who cheer you on, share resources, and remind you of your goals, you’ll feel more inspired to keep pushing.
How to Build Growth Friendships
You don’t have to stay stuck in circles that pull you down. You can intentionally build friendships that push you up. How?
- Be the kind of friend you want to attract.
Want supportive, inspiring friends? Be one. Show up for people. Celebrate their wins. Encourage their growth.
- Look for shared values, not just shared vibes.
Fun is important, but values go deeper. Find people who care about growth, kindness, and making a difference.
- Don’t be afraid to outgrow certain friendships.
This is tough, but it’s real. Sometimes, you’ll realise that some people you love are no longer suitable for your growth, and that’s okay. Letting go doesn’t mean you stop caring — it just means you’re making room for better.
You don’t rise alone. Nobody achieves greatness in isolation. Behind every confident person is a community that cheered them on. Behind every success story is a circle of people who encouraged, supported, and believed.
At Proudtobeme, we’re passionate about creating communities like this—safe spaces where you’re not laughed at for your dreams but lifted to pursue them. So, ask yourself: do my friendships fuel my fire, or do they drain it? Do they push me closer to my purpose, or further away?
Life is too short to spend in circles that clip your wings. Surround yourself with people who help you fly, and just as importantly, be that person for someone else.
