The Power of Proximity and the People You Choose to Be Around
- Mar 22, 2025
- 4 min read
Paulina is a World Class Leadership Coach for CEOs who excels at igniting iconic presence and personal power in top-tier leaders. She is also an International Speaker and Bestselling Author. For over 15 years, she held senior roles in Global Corporations serving Fortune 100 companies.
Have you ever felt like you were growing and evolving, only to find yourself being pulled back by the people around you? It’s like trying to soar while someone keeps tugging at your wings.
Here’s the truth: the quality of your life depends on the quality of your relationships. And while we all crave love, connection, and belonging, we often overlook the profound influence our circle has on us. As Jim Rohn famously said, “You’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Or, put another way, “Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future.”
We are hardwired for connection. It’s a fundamental human need. But here’s the catch, not all connections are created equal. The people you choose to surround yourself with have a massive impact on your mindset, energy, and, ultimately, your success.
Now, imagine this: you’re doing the work. You’re stepping out of your comfort zone, expanding your vision, building your business, growing your wealth. But then you go home, return to your office, or meet up with friends who just don’t get it. They dismiss your progress, downplay your achievements, and question your dreams—not out of malice, but out of their own limited understanding.
So, how long do you think you can maintain your powerful state, your inspiration, your willingness to act boldly, when you’re constantly surrounded by those who don’t support your growth? Eventually, your environment will win. Because proximity is power.
I know this firsthand. When I left my corporate career to build something of my own, I was met with doubt, skepticism, and outright negativity. But I realized early on that my environment had to change if I was serious about reaching the highest levels of success. I had to find people who would challenge me, inspire me, and support me, not just tolerate me.
And here’s the beautiful thing: once you intentionally build your circle, everything changes. You gain access to new perspectives, higher standards, and a network of powerful people who push you to your greatness. You become the person you were always meant to be.
How to audit your circle
If you want to elevate your life, you need to start with a brutally honest audit of your relationships. Here’s how:
What do you truly want? Be specific about your vision and goals.
Who do you need to become to reach that vision? Define your future self.
Who do you need to surround yourself with to support that transformation?
Who are you currently surrounded by? What positives and what challenges do you see?
What actions can you take to change your circle? This may involve removing people from your circle or adding new, powerful connections.
How can you create a circle of trust and empowerment? Build relationships based on mutual growth and respect.
What fears come up? Notice the discomfort and recognize that it’s part of the growth process.
The point is, you can’t reach the extraordinary if you’re constantly surrounded by the ordinary. It’s time to get intentional about who you allow into your space. It’s time to create a network of high-level thinkers who elevate you, not drain you.
This isn’t just a strategy. It’s a fundamental shift in how you approach your life and business. And if you’re truly ready to step into your power, it starts with the people you choose to surround yourself with.
Proximity is power. Choose wisely.
Are you ready to elevate your circle and step into your greatness? Let’s make it happen.
You are invited to join me and other extraordinary leaders on April 4th in Amsterdam for the CEO Retreat, The Money Edition.
We will be diving deep into how to transform your wealth consciousness, embody your true power, and build wealth that lasts.
The question is, are you ready to step up and start playing a bigger game?
Too much resistance? Start small with reading my book.
Grab my bestselling book: Wake Up. Do the Work. Save Humanity.
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Paulina Stankiewicz, Leadership Coach for CEOs
Paulina is a World Class Leadership Coach for CEOs who excels at igniting iconic presence and personal power in top-tier leaders. She is also an International Speaker and Bestselling Author. For over 15 years, she held senior roles in Global Corporations serving Fortune 100 companies. This experience, coupled with her MBA for Executives, allows her to bring the business conversations with her clients to the next level. She is focused on improving the culture of organisations — starting with the top. She holds multiple International certifications and has been trained by the best teachers and coaches in the world. Her mission is to change the world, one leader at a time.
