We all know that as we age, our social circles tend to shrink. But did you ever stop to think about the kind of people you should be surrounding yourself with?
Psychology has a thing or two to say about this. It turns out, that having the right characters in your network can not only boost your personal growth but also help you navigate the challenges of life and business more effectively.
This isn’t about networking in the traditional sense. It’s about consciously choosing to spend time with people who inspire, challenge, and support you.
In this article, we’ll explore the seven types of people psychology suggests you should include in your social circle as you get older.
Don’t worry, this isn’t about manipulation or deceit. It’s about enhancing your life—and possibly your business—with the positive influence of others.
Let’s dive in.
1) The mentor
The importance of having a mentor cannot be overstated as we age. Mentors offer invaluable wisdom and guidance, and can help us navigate life’s challenges with more ease and grace.
A mentor is someone who has walked the path before us and can offer insights from their own experience.
They challenge us to step out of our comfort zone and push our boundaries. This is not only beneficial for personal growth, but also for building resilience in business.
Famous psychologist Carl Jung once said, “The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed.” A mentor can indeed transform us, pushing us to become better versions of ourselves.
Including a mentor in your social circle as you get older isn’t about manipulation or playing games.
It’s about learning from someone who has been there before and using their guidance to positively influence your own journey.
2) The optimist
As we get older, having an optimist in our social circle can be a breath of fresh air. These are the people who always see the glass as half full and can find a silver lining in any situation.
I recall a friend of mine, Sarah, who was the epitome of optimism. Even when her small business was going through a rough patch, she remained positive and focused on the potential for growth and learning.
Her optimism was contagious and inspiring. It taught me that your perspective can greatly influence your reality – both in personal life and business.
Renowned psychologist Martin Seligman, known for his work on positive psychology, once said, “Optimism is invaluable for the meaningful life. With a firm belief in a positive future, you can throw yourself into the service of that which is larger than you are.”
Having an optimist in your social circle isn’t just about having someone to lift your spirits. It’s about learning to adopt a positive outlook that can help you navigate life’s ups and downs more effectively.
3) The realist
Do you have that one friend who tells it like it is, no sugar-coating? That’s the realist. They are valuable in our social circle as we get older because they ground us in reality.
I’ve learned the hard way that life is not always rainbows and butterflies. We all face setbacks, and sometimes what we need is not empty platitudes but raw honesty.
My friend Mike was that person for me. When my business faced a significant challenge, Mike didn’t offer false comfort.
Instead, he helped me see the situation for what it was and encouraged me to take practical steps to overcome it.
Psychologist M. Scott Peck once said, “Until you value yourself, you won’t value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it.” The realist helps us value our time by keeping us focused on what’s truly important.
Including a realist in your social circle is about embracing truth and practicality—two essential ingredients for personal growth and business success.
4) The listener
In this age of constant chatter and information overload, having someone who genuinely listens is a rare and precious find.
The Listener in your social circle provides a comforting presence, always there to lend an ear without rushing to give advice or judgments.
I have a friend, Lucy, who has the amazing ability to just listen. During one of my most challenging periods, when my business was at risk, it was Lucy who sat with me for hours, offering nothing but her undivided attention.
She didn’t interrupt, didn’t impose her opinions—she simply listened. Her presence alone was therapeutic and helped me find clarity amidst the chaos.
A study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology found that people who genuinely listen during conversations are perceived as more likable and create stronger connections.
This is critical not just for personal relationships but also for building a strong network in business.
Having a Listener in your social circle as you get older is about creating room for compassion, connection, and understanding—qualities that enrich both our personal lives and our businesses.
5) The challenger
The Challenger in your social circle is the one who pushes you out of your comfort zone, encourages you to take risks, and challenges your beliefs and assumptions.
They are not afraid to question your decisions and point out potential pitfalls.
I remember a colleague, Alex, who was never afraid to challenge my ideas. While it was uncomfortable at times, it was his challenges that pushed me to think critically and make better decisions in my business.
He was the one who pushed me to innovate, take risks, and avoid complacency.
The Challenger in our lives helps us choose growth over safety time and again.
6) The introvert
In a world that often celebrates extroversion, it may seem counterintuitive to include an introvert in your social circle. However, introverts bring a unique set of strengths that can add immense value to our lives.
Introverts tend to be more reflective and observant. They are often deep thinkers, able to provide unique insights and perspectives that can be invaluable, especially in problem-solving or decision-making scenarios.
I have long appreciated the introverted friends in my circle who offer thoughtful advice and show me the power of quiet reflection.
Famous psychologist Carl Jung, who coined the terms introvert and extrovert, once said, “The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed.”
This holds true for the relationship between introverts and extroverts—each personality type can enrich and transform the other.
7) The encourager
Last but certainly not least, the Encourager is an essential part of your social circle. They believe in you, cheer you on, and are always there to lift your spirits.
Psychologist Albert Bandura once said, “In order to succeed, people need a sense of self-efficacy, to struggle together with resilience to meet the inevitable obstacles and inequities of life.” That’s exactly what the Encourager helps us do.
With their unwavering support and positive energy, Encouragers help us build resilience and maintain a sense of self-efficacy—both crucial as we navigate life’s challenges and build our businesses.
Final reflections
The complexities of our social interactions and relationships are as diverse as we are. As we get older, curating our social circle becomes an important aspect of our personal growth and resilience.
Whether it’s the wisdom of a mentor, the optimism of a friend, the raw honesty of a realist, the comforting presence of a listener, the challenges posed by a colleague, the deep reflections of an introvert, or the unwavering support of an encourager; each personality type brings something unique to the table.
They help shape us, challenge us, inspire us, and ultimately make us more resilient.
As you reflect on your social circle, consider these seven types of people. They are not just roles to be filled but relationships to be cherished.
They can bring a wealth of experiences, perspectives, and support that can enrich your life—and your business—in ways you may never have imagined.
Remember, it’s not about manipulating relationships but about consciously choosing to surround yourself with people who positively influence your journey.
The right social circle can make all the difference as we navigate the twists and turns of life and business. Here’s to building a circle that reflects and supports the best version of ourselves.
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