If you want to grow as a person, surround yourself with these 6 types of people

You’ve probably heard the phrase “You’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” 

I’m here to tell you it’s true. Our environment plays a huge part in shaping our mindset, habits, and worldview. That’s why, if you’re serious about leveling up your life, you need to be intentional about who gets a front-row seat in it.

I’ve traveled through multiple countries, built businesses from the ground up, and poured countless hours into reading psychology and philosophy books. One thing I’ve noticed time and again is that success—both personal and professional—rarely happens in a vacuum. 

We need the right people around us, and not just for networking opportunities or social proof. We need them for growth, perspective, and support.

Here at Small Biz Technology, I see plenty of entrepreneurs chasing the next big tech trend. While that’s great for innovation, there’s another layer that shouldn’t be ignored: the kinds of people you let into your personal orbit. 

Let’s dive into six types that can ignite serious personal growth.

1. The mentors who challenge you

A good mentor isn’t just someone who’s successful in your field. A good mentor is someone who knows how to push you to confront your blind spots. 

Many people think of “mentorship” as receiving neat tips or shortcuts to success. But that’s not how it works. The mentors who truly make a difference are the ones who nudge—or shove—you out of your comfort zone.

I’ve been fortunate enough to experience this personally. Early in my entrepreneurial days, I was set on an idea for a digital platform, convinced I had all the answers. 

Then a mentor stepped in and pointed out weaknesses I hadn’t considered. While it stung to hear my business plan had glaring flaws, it saved me a huge amount of time and money. 

Mentors help you see the roadblocks before you smash into them. They also encourage you to aim higher than you think you can manage.

If you find a mentor who challenges your perspectives, calls out your limiting beliefs, and asks you tough questions, don’t resist. That tension, that push-and-pull, is precisely where most personal growth unfolds.

2. The friends who uplift you

Life’s too short to be around people who constantly leave you drained or doubting yourself. 

In my experience, there’s a massive difference between the folks who cheer for you and those who merely tolerate your ambitions. 

Real friends aren’t just there to pat you on the back; they offer genuine encouragement and remind you of your capabilities when you forget.

They’ll ask how you’re really doing—beyond the usual “How’s work?”—and actually listen. They celebrate your wins and console you during losses without that undercurrent of jealousy or judgment. A simple check-in text from a friend at the right moment can be the difference between giving up and powering forward.

Social bonds and community ties are some of the most powerful forces that shape our resilience. They help us recalibrate and see the bigger picture when we’re too bogged down by daily challenges. 

Surround yourself with even a few of these supportive souls, and watch how quickly your motivation and self-confidence skyrocket.

3. The constructive critics who keep you grounded

Constructive critics can seem like a buzzkill initially. They’re the ones who’ll look at your new plan or idea and say, “That’s great, but have you thought about X, Y, and Z?” 

At first, you might roll your eyes. But take a moment to reflect: Sometimes these critics are precisely the people preventing you from chasing illusions.

The trick is to differentiate between constructive critics and naysayers. 

Naysayers never offer solutions; they just shut everything down. 

Constructive critics, on the other hand, usually have your best interests at heart. They point out oversights and weaknesses because they believe you can do better. 

And that’s vital. If everyone around you is nodding in agreement all the time, you’ll never identify the cracks in your logic—or the cracks in yourself.

4. The innovators who spark your creativity

These are the people who think so far outside the box you might question whether there was ever a box at all. They can be artists, tech entrepreneurs, or just incredibly curious minds who absorb and connect ideas from different disciplines. 

Every time you chat with them, you walk away with your brain buzzing—like you’ve been given a jolt of intellectual electricity. It’s true what Einstein once said – “Creativity is contagious.”

When I spent time in Berlin, I met a small group of tech-savvy artists who were constantly brainstorming art installations that merged AI with real-world spaces. 

Being around them opened my eyes to the endless possibilities of merging creative thought with entrepreneurship. They had a unique lens on the world, and their mindset was contagious.

If you’re trying to evolve, a dash of radical thinking can be exactly what you need. These innovators challenge conventional methods and invite you to explore undiscovered territory. 

Even if you’re not aiming to launch the next groundbreaking product, having these people in your circle can inspire you to approach old problems in fresh ways. That’s growth, plain and simple.

5. The listeners who offer emotional support

We all hit those tough stretches—whether it’s a business setback, a family issue, or just the cumulative stress of juggling life. 

In these moments, the last thing you need is someone who either judges you or tries to fix you. You need a listener, someone who can simply be present with you, letting you vent without jumping to conclusions or dishing out quick fixes.

The gift of being truly heard is underrated. It’s one of those intangible qualities that can significantly boost your emotional well-being and self-awareness. 

When I was deep in the throes of launching my second venture, I found myself overwhelmed, anxious, and unsure of my next steps. 

A close friend—someone who doesn’t even work in my field—just let me ramble for an hour about my doubts and fears. By the end of that conversation, I felt lighter. In hearing myself articulate those worries, I gained clarity.

Sometimes growth isn’t about another business strategy or life hack. Sometimes it’s about releasing pent-up emotions and recognizing that you’re not alone. We all need someone who can sit with us in the messiness of being human, and that’s exactly what a good listener does.

6. The go-getters who embody action

There’s nothing more contagious than being around people who just go for it, no excuses. 

Whether it’s starting a new company, running a marathon, or learning a new skill, these individuals exude a momentum that’s hard to resist. They’re doers, not talkers.

I once had a colleague who decided, almost on a whim, to move to a different country and start a tech-based social venture. He had no roadmap, no guarantee of success—but he leaped anyway. 

Watching him in action was fascinating. He made phone calls, learned the local language, met with potential investors, and just hustled day in and day out. 

This type of behavior is a massive antidote to procrastination. It’s like a beacon shouting, “Stop overthinking and do something!”

If you find yourself perpetually planning but never executing, reach out to a go-getter. Collaborate with them, or at least observe how they navigate challenges. 

You’ll find yourself adopting bits of their mindset, picking up their sense of urgency, and focusing on practical steps rather than pie-in-the-sky musings. 

It’s the daily, consistent actions that move the needle in personal and professional endeavors.

Final words

Our social circle shapes us in ways we often fail to realize. It’s not enough to rely on your own motivation or intelligence alone—you’ve got to curate the environment that helps those traits flourish. 

Mentors point you in the right direction, uplifting friends bolster your spirit, constructive critics keep you realistic, innovators fuel your creativity, listeners lend emotional support, and go-getters push you to act.

If you recognize any gaps in your current circle, it may be time to seek people who fill those roles. That might mean reconnecting with an old acquaintance, finding a mentor through a professional network, or simply hanging out at places where driven, creative folks gather.

Ultimately, you don’t need a massive entourage; just a tight-knit crew that challenges and empowers you in the right ways. 

Growth is rarely a solo pursuit, and the people we choose to let into our lives can be the difference between spinning our wheels and racing ahead. 

So take a good look at who’s next to you—and if necessary, start making some changes. Your future self will thank you for it.