Choose Your Circle to Shape Your Mind
Anita, a mid-level manager, found herself dreading each Monday’s staff meeting. One person on the team always criticized her ideas with impatience, leaving her second-guessing every slide she presented. Her stress levels crept higher each week. After reading about social influences on emotional states, Anita made a bold move. She asked to co-present with a colleague she admired for fairness and curiosity. She also quietly reduced interactions with the harsh critic by taking her lunch break elsewhere. Within two weeks, Anita’s confidence soared. Meetings felt collaborative instead of adversarial. Energized by the supportive dynamic, she volunteered for a new cross-department project—and her career momentum returned. Scientific research shows that our closest peers shape 30–40% of our stress levels, so curating your circle is not just social—it’s strategic for mental well-being.
As you notice your heart sink next time someone drains you, pause and choose to share your next idea with a supportive ally. By reconnecting with positive peers and setting clear limits on unhelpful exchanges, you’ll transform your environment and regain your spark. Try it at your next team review.
What You'll Achieve
You’ll reduce stress and self-doubt by limiting contact with draining influences and increase motivation through positive connections. External results include smoother collaboration, better idea flow, and higher team morale.
Curate Your Community
Identify emotional triggers
List three people who regularly stir up anger, anxiety, or self-doubt in you. Note the circumstances that lead to these feelings.
Set boundaries
Choose one relationship to limit contact with for the next week. Send fewer texts or meet less often and observe the effect on your mood.
Seek supportive peers
Join a group—yoga class, book club, or meditation sit—where people value growth and kindness, and commit to one meeting this week.
Express respect
Thank one person in your new circle for their support and share what you appreciate most about them.
Reflection Questions
- Who in your circle makes you feel energized vs. depleted?
- What is one small boundary you can set this week?
- Where can you find a group aligned with your growth goals?
- How will you express appreciation to someone who supports you?
- What difference do you expect in your daily mood?
Personalization Tips
- In a sales team, you ask to co-lead calls only with colleagues who lift you up.
- At home, you limit late-night gossip sessions with a friend who drains your energy.
- In a writing group, you look for members who offer constructive feedback, not harsh critique.
Don't Believe Everything You Think: Why Your Thinking Is The Beginning & End Of Suffering (Beyond Suffering Book 1)
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