7 types of people you need to cut from your life if you want to be rich and successful

Jim Rohn once said “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with” and when it comes to building wealth and achieving success, this rings true.

The right relationships can inspire, motivate, and push you to be your best.

But the wrong ones? They can hold you back, drain your energy, and keep you stuck in mediocrity.

Today, we’re exploring 7 types of people you need to cut from your life if you’re serious about becoming rich and successful.

Ready to upgrade your circle? Let’s dive in.

1) The naysayers

They say that negativity is contagious, and it’s true.

When you’re working towards something big, like wealth or success, the last thing you need is someone constantly shooting down your ideas.

These are the naysayers. The people who always see the glass as half empty rather than half full. They’re quick to point out why something won’t work, but rarely offer any constructive alternatives.

While it’s important to stay realistic and consider potential pitfalls, too much pessimism can drain your energy and motivation.

It’s your journey. You don’t need to carry the weight of others’ negativity with you.

Consider distancing yourself from the naysayers in your life. Surround yourself with positivity instead and see how much further you can go.

2) The time wasters

Oh boy, do I know about this one. Let me share a story with you.

A couple of years ago, I had this friend. We’ll call him Jake. Jake was a blast to hang out with – always up for a good time, always ready to chill.

But that’s just it, Jake was all about chilling.

When I started to get serious about my career and personal goals, I realized how much time I was wasting with Jake. We’d spend entire weekends lounging on the couch, binge-watching shows and ordering takeout. It was fun, sure, but it wasn’t helping me move forward.

I started to set boundaries, limiting our hangouts and focusing more on my own growth. It wasn’t easy; Jake didn’t understand why I couldn’t just relax. But over time, he came to respect my decision.

And guess what? Without those endless hours of aimless hanging out, I found time for self-improvement, networking, and building my business.

Just like that, I made a significant leap towards my goal of success.

If you want to be rich and successful, keep an eye out for the Jakes in your life. Having fun is important, but not at the cost of your dreams and ambitions.

3) The constant competitors

We’ve all met them – those people who turn everything into a competition. They’re always comparing, always striving to be the best, the first, the most.

While a healthy dose of competition can be motivating, constant comparison can create an unhealthy environment where you’re never quite satisfied with your achievements.

Don’t let the constant competitors in your life make you feel like you’re never enough. Instead, focus on your own journey and define success in your own terms.

After all, the only person you should be in competition with is yourself.

4) The drama magnets

Life is full of ups and downs, but some people seem to attract drama like a magnet. There’s always a crisis, always a conflict, always something going wrong.

These drama magnets can drain your energy and distract you from your goals. You might find yourself spending more time helping them navigate their latest issue than focusing on your own success.

But you’re not their therapist, and it’s not your job to solve all their problems.

It’s okay to step back from the drama and focus on your own journey.

5) The irresponsible spenders

If you’re working hard to build wealth and financial freedom, the last thing you need is someone in your life who encourages reckless spending habits.

These are the people who always seem to live beyond their means, splurge on unnecessary luxuries, and pressure you to do the same.

Being around irresponsible spenders can make it harder to stick to your financial goals. Their habits might lead you to feel guilty for saving or tempted to spend money you don’t have just to keep up.

Let’s be real—building wealth requires discipline and smart choices. If someone in your circle constantly undermines your efforts with “treat yourself” attitudes or guilt-trips you for skipping that overpriced dinner, it might be time to reevaluate that relationship.

Instead, surround yourself with people who share your financial mindset—those who value saving, investing, and making intentional choices. Success is easier when you’re not constantly fighting against someone else’s poor money habits.

6) The takers

There are people in life who are always on the receiving end. They take your time, your energy, and sometimes even your resources, but they rarely give back.

These are the takers. They’re always asking for favors, always needing help, but when you need them, they’re nowhere to be found.

A successful life is all about balance. There’s nothing wrong with helping others, but it’s equally important to ensure that you’re not being taken advantage of.

It’s okay to say no. It’s okay to put your needs first. If the takers in your life can’t respect that, it might be time to reconsider those relationships.

7) The energy vampires

You know the type—the people who leave you feeling emotionally drained every time you interact with them.

These energy vampires thrive on taking but rarely give anything in return. They might offload their problems onto you, demand your attention, or constantly expect you to prioritize their needs over your own.

The problem is, success requires focus, and energy vampires rob you of the mental clarity and drive you need to stay on track. Instead of fueling your ambition, they leave you feeling exhausted and distracted.

It’s important to protect your time and energy. Set boundaries with people who deplete you and prioritize relationships that uplift and energize you.

Final thought: It’s about your journey

Cutting people out of your life is never an easy decision, but when it comes to achieving wealth and success, it’s often a necessary one. The company you keep has a profound impact on your mindset, habits, and trajectory.

By distancing yourself from the naysayers, time wasters, and energy vampires, you’re not just removing obstacles—you’re creating space for the people who inspire and support you to step in.

So take a good look at your circle. Are they lifting you up or holding you back? The choice is yours—and your future self will thank you for making the tough calls today.