""أحط نفسك فقط بالأشخاص الذين سيرفعونك إلى الأعلى. الحياة مليئة بالفعل بأولئك الذين يريدون إحباطك.""

You know how they say you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with? That’s basically the heart of this idea. The people around you have a huge impact on your mood, your outlook, and your success. If you’re hanging out with people who inspire you, push you to be better, you’re much more likely to feel motivated and achieve your goals. On the flip side, if you’re surrounded by naysayers—people who drag you down, who don’t believe in you—it’s going to be a lot harder to rise above and reach your potential.

Now, let’s talk a bit about why someone might say this. Imagine someone who has gone through hardships and learned that their circle of friends can make or break their spirit. Oprah Winfrey, for example, has often spoken about the importance of surrounding herself with people who are positive and uplifting. She’s faced her share of challenges and knows firsthand that those closest to you can either lift you higher or pull you down.

Let’s get concrete here. Think about a real-life scenario—maybe you know someone who was stuck in a toxic relationship or friendship. Every time you talked to them, they seemed drained and unhappy. Then, they met a new group of friends who encouraged them, believed in their dreams, and suddenly, they started to shine. Their confidence grew, and they began to take risks and pursue opportunities they’d previously shied away from. That’s the power of positive influence.

So, how do you apply this to your own life? Start by taking a good look at your current circle. Are these people rooting for you, or are they secretly (or not so secretly) hoping you fail? It might be tough, but sometimes you need to distance yourself from those who bring negativity. Seek out those who have a positive outlook, who are where you want to be, or who share your goals and values. These are the people who will lift you higher.

Imagine this: You’re working on a big project at work, something you’re really passionate about. You’ve got two types of colleagues—let’s call them Negative Nancy and Positive Pete. Nancy’s always pointing out the flaws in your ideas, why things won’t work, and generally spreading a vibe of ‘why bother?’ Pete, on the other hand, is enthusiastic, offers constructive feedback, and helps you brainstorm solutions. Who do you think you’d rather work with? Pete, obviously. He’s lifting you higher, pushing you to be your best.

So next time you’re at that proverbial crossroads, think about who’s standing beside you. Are they offering a hand to help you up, or are they dragging you down with them? It’s not just about being surrounded by ‘yes people’—it’s about being around those who genuinely want to see you succeed and are willing to help you get there.

In short, be intentional about who you let into your inner circle. It’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make. After all, life’s tough enough without extra weight—so why not fly with those who give you wings?