Surrounding Yourself With People Who Matter

The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, 

whose presence calls forth your best.

—Epictetus

As 2024 winds to a close, it’s natural to reflect on what we’ve accomplished, where we stand now, and where we’re headed next. For many of us, this also means juggling end-of-year work deadlines while keeping an eye on long-term professional goals (I touched on this in a recent post!). But here’s the thing: your professional life isn’t the only part of the equation. It’s equally important to take a step back and evaluate the bigger picture. How are you spending your time outside the office? And are you surrounding yourself with people who matter? 

Over the years, I’ve learned a lot from my experiences—whether it was navigating diverse corporate environments, traveling the globe with my mom (logging more than 300,000 miles together!), or making big moves from the Midwest to NYC to New Orleans. These moments shaped me, teaching me about the person I am and the person I want to become.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve picked up is this: Jobs change, bosses come and go, and even home addresses evolve. Some changes are beyond our control. We don’t get to choose our families, and we don’t always get to handpick our bosses or colleagues. (And yes, sometimes we inherit a friend group through a partner… that’s a story for another day!)

But here’s where choice does come in: the company you deliberately keep. The philosopher Epictetus once said, “Keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best.” This advice hits home, especially as we prepare to turn the page to 2025. When you can choose, make sure your core circle—those you lean on and return to—truly brings out the best in you.

So, as you plan for the year ahead, take a moment to define what “best” means for you. Who inspires you? Who supports and motivates you? Seek those people out, and when you have the opportunity, prioritize time with them. And remember: relationships are a two-way street. Being intentional about uplifting others is just as crucial as surrounding yourself with people who matter

Your time and energy are precious. Spend them wisely, with the people who make your life better. Let 2025 be the year you choose connection—authentic, meaningful connection—with those who matter most.

Here’s to the people who lift us up and help us become the best versions of ourselves.

All the best for the new year!