How to Improve Your Circle When Access to Growth-Oriented Individuals Is Limited
Not everyone has immediate access to a network of inspiring, growth-oriented individuals. You might live in a small town, be starting fresh in a new city, or find yourself surrounded by people who don’t share your current goals or values. It can feel isolating, but you’re not stuck.
Thanks to the wealth of resources and tools available today, you can intentionally curate a “virtual circle” of high-value influences to guide, inspire, and support your personal growth.
Consume Content from Thought Leaders
If you lack in-person mentors or inspiring peers, turn to the wealth of knowledge shared by thought leaders across various platforms. Many of the brightest minds generously share their insights through podcasts, videos, books, and articles, giving you access to world-class wisdom no matter where you are.
Podcasts: These are like having a personal mentor in your pocket. Whether you’re commuting, exercising, or cooking, podcasts can deliver actionable insights on health, personal growth, and leadership.
The Tim Ferriss Show: Deep dives into strategies for high performance and productivity.
WorkLife with Adam Grant: Offers powerful insights into workplace culture and human behavior.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty: Focuses on mindfulness and finding your purpose.
YouTube Channels: YouTube offers a treasure trove of content tailored to nearly any goal. For example:
Chalene Johnson delivers evidence-based health and longevity tips.
Big Think provides expert-driven, actionable, educational content to help you get smarter, faster..
TED Talks provide access to diverse global perspectives on innovation, wellness, and personal development.
Books and Articles: Reading remains one of the most direct paths to personal growth. Consider diving into:
Adam Grant’s Give and Take and Think Again for insights into meaningful work and adaptability.
James Clear’s Atomic Habits for practical strategies to break bad habits and build good ones.
Brené Brown’s Daring Greatly for lessons on vulnerability, courage, and authentic living.
Join Online Communities
The internet connects us to a world of like-minded individuals, making it easier than ever to find support and shared motivation. Online communities provide opportunities to engage with others who share your goals, even if you can’t meet in person.
Social Media Groups: Platforms like Facebook host thousands of niche groups centered on interests such as fitness, nutrition, mental wellness, and professional growth. Joining these communities can offer encouragement, resources, and accountability.
Forums and Subreddits: Explore niche forums and subreddits on platforms like Reddit. Popular examples include:
r/selfimprovement: A hub for personal growth strategies and discussions.
r/fitness: A supportive community for exercise advice and motivation.
Online Classes: Platforms like MasterClass, Coursera, and Udemy allow you to learn directly from industry leaders while connecting with other learners. These classes can spark inspiration and introduce you to virtual peers who are on similar journeys.
Curate Your Own Messenger Chat: Have friends in different geographic areas that share similar interests and/or intellectual topics? Create a messenger group chat of 6 to 8 people that mesh well together to carry on interesting conversations.
Leverage Virtual Mentorship
Virtual mentorship offers a flexible way to gain wisdom and guidance, even if you don’t have access to traditional mentors in your immediate surroundings.
Follow Inspiring Social Media Accounts: Seek out thought leaders and organizations that share content aligned with your values and goals. Regular exposure to their insights can help you stay focused and motivated.
Engage in Live Webinars: Many experts host live webinars, workshops, and Q&A sessions that provide opportunities for learning and interaction. These events often include practical advice and a chance to network with other participants.
Subscribe to Newsletters: Thought leaders often share their best insights, tools, and strategies through email newsletters. Subscribing can provide a steady stream of curated, high-value content directly to your inbox.
Be Strategic with Your Time
If your physical environment isn’t conducive to growth, it’s essential to prioritize the influences you allow into your life. Dedicate intentional time to consuming positive, enriching content and minimizing exposure to draining or negative influences.
Treat time spent listening to podcasts, reading books, or watching videos as an investment in your personal development. This shift in perspective helps you approach these activities with greater focus and commitment, turning passive consumption into active learning.
Start Where You Are
Growth doesn’t always require external resources or influences—it begins with you. By embodying the traits you want to attract, you create a foundation for future connections and opportunities.
Practice Self-Discipline: Set small, achievable goals and consistently work toward them. Success builds momentum.
Cultivate a Positive Mindset: Use tools like journaling, gratitude practices, or affirmations to foster resilience and optimism.
Commit to Daily Growth: Even small, consistent efforts toward personal development can yield transformative results over time.
Why This Works
Research shows that even indirect exposure to high-value individuals—through the content you consume—can shape your thoughts, habits, and behaviors. Your brain internalizes the perspectives and knowledge you absorb, helping you level up, even if your physical surroundings remain unchanged. Over time, these influences can rewire your mindset, inspire action, and elevate your overall trajectory.
Conclusion: Build a Virtual Circle
While your environment might not currently provide the inspiration or support you need, you have the power to create a virtual circle of high-value influences. By leveraging technology, consuming content from thought leaders, and connecting with online communities, you can surround yourself with mentorship, motivation, and guidance, no matter your circumstances.
These influences will help you align your habits, mindset, and values with your aspirations. And as you consistently work on yourself, you’ll find that your internal growth begins to transform your external environment, attracting the kind of relationships and opportunities that reflect your elevated vision.
Article References
The sources cited in the article:
Harvard Business School. “How to Live Happier in 2023: Diversify Your Social Circle.” Harvard - Diversify Your Social Circle
BBC. "How Your Friends Change Your Habits - for Better and Worse." BBC - How Your Friends Change Your Habits
National Institutes of Health (NIH). “The Power of Peers.” NIH - The Power of Peers
The NYTimes (NYT). “What Have Your Friends Taught You About Life?” NYT - What Have Your Friends Taught You About Life?
Psychology Today. “How Friends Can Influence Us For the Better” Psychology Today - How Friends Can Influence Us
