“You always win when you surround yourself with good people.” - Thomas Frist Jr.
There’s a lot of wisdom packed into that simple statement, and it’s something we often underestimate. We hear phrases like “Your network is your net worth” or “You’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with” so often that they start to sound like motivational wallpaper. But behind these words is a real, powerful truth about how deeply our environment shapes us. I’m not talking about some shallow networking advice here—I’m talking about the people you let into your life and why they matter so much.
Picture this: you’re on a long journey. Sometimes, it’s a smooth ride, the wind in your hair and your favorite playlist cranked up. Other times, it’s bumpy as hell, and the road seems endless. Now imagine who’s in the car with you. Are they complaining about the potholes, sucking the fun out of the ride, or are they cracking jokes, helping you navigate, and making the whole experience worthwhile—even during the rough stretches? The people around you make all the difference. They’re not just passengers; they’re copilots, DJs, and navigators all at once.
The Influence of Good People
Good people do more than keep you company—they shape your vision of what’s possible. They’re the ones who celebrate your wins as if they were their own, challenge you to think bigger, and call you out (lovingly) when you’re not living up to your potential. They’re also there to remind you of your value when you’ve forgotten it, which happens more often than we’d like to admit.
Think back to some of your biggest wins or even your toughest struggles. Chances are, the people who stood by you played a significant role in how things turned out. Maybe it was a mentor who helped you find clarity when you felt overwhelmed or a friend who had your back when everything felt like it was falling apart. Their influence might have changed the entire course of your journey, without you even realizing it.
Elevators vs. Anchors
In life, there are elevators and there are anchors. Elevators lift you up, push you to the next level, and give you a bird’s-eye view of what you could be. They motivate you through their own success, share knowledge without any strings attached, and bring a sense of positivity that’s genuinely infectious. They don’t see your growth as a threat—they see it as a shared victory. And when you’re stuck, they’re the ones pressing the buttons, making sure you keep moving up.
On the flip side, anchors are those who keep you tethered, and not in a good way. They’re always there with reasons why your ideas won’t work or why it’s better to play it safe. They might not even be malicious about it—it’s just the way they see the world. But when you surround yourself with anchors, you end up stuck in the same spot, unable to break free from the chains of doubt and negativity.
Now, let’s be real: none of us want to cut off people entirely. It’s not about abandoning friends or distancing ourselves from everyone who’s having a tough time. It’s about recognizing which relationships add value to your life and which ones might need a different approach. Sometimes, it’s even about transforming an anchor into an elevator—being that good influence for them instead.
The Ripple Effect of Positivity
When you surround yourself with good people, something magical happens. There’s this ripple effect that goes beyond just your own life. The positivity, support, and energy that flow from you end up influencing others too. Think about a time when you were genuinely inspired by someone close to you. Maybe it motivated you to take a risk, be kinder, or just smile more. That effect is contagious. Before long, you’re inspiring others, and those people are inspiring others too.
This isn’t about luck; it’s about intention. Being selective about the people you let into your life doesn’t mean being snobbish or self-centered. It means understanding that your time, energy, and mental well-being are precious. Protecting them by surrounding yourself with those who bring out the best in you is one of the smartest investments you can make.
How to Find Your People
So, how do you actually find these mythical “good people”? Honestly, it starts with being one. When you embody the qualities you’re seeking in others—positivity, generosity, curiosity—you naturally start to attract like-minded individuals. It also means putting yourself in environments where these people hang out. Join communities, get involved in activities you’re passionate about, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Good people are everywhere, but you’ve got to be open to meeting them.
Don’t just look for those who are “successful” in a conventional sense; look for people who make you feel more alive, who make your problems seem smaller, and who remind you of who you are when you forget. Look for people who aren’t afraid to be vulnerable, who’ll share their own struggles, and lift you up with genuine empathy.
Final Thoughts
Life’s too short to be weighed down by those who drain us. We’re all here for a limited time, trying to do our best, so why not make it a journey filled with people who remind us that we’re not alone in the process? People who laugh with us, cry with us, and grow with us.
Thomas Frist Jr. had it right—you really do always win when you surround yourself with good people. Winning might not always look like a big flashy success. Sometimes, it’s just feeling content, supported, and at peace with where you are. It’s being in the middle of a storm and knowing, without a doubt, that you’re in the right car, with the right copilots, navigating through it together.
Surround yourself wisely. Choose those copilots carefully—they make the ride, and sometimes, they even help you enjoy the bumps.
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