How your environment shapes your success or struggles

Your mental health is contagious – For better or worse

Have you ever noticed how being around certain people lifts you up while others seem to drain your energy? Have you ever wondered why successful individuals often cluster together, or why people struggling with mental health challenges tend to stick to each other?

The answer lies in something more powerful than just shared interests: mental health is contagious. The thoughts, emotions, and behaviors of those around you shape your mindset, habits, and ultimately, your success or failure. Your surrounding environment is a direct influencer of your trajectory in life.

If you want to change your life, you need to change the people around you. But why do people with mental health struggles often stick together? And why do successful people surround themselves with other winners? Let’s dive in.

How mental health spreads like a virus

We tend to think of emotions and mental health as personal, internal experiences. But in reality, they work much like a social virus. Here’s how:

1. Emotional contagion: We absorb the feelings of those around us

Humans are highly social creatures, wired to mirror the emotions of others. If you spend time around anxious, negative, or depressed people, your brain will start mimicking those emotions. On the flip side, if you spend time with confident, positive, and goal-oriented people, you will naturally begin adopting their attitudes.

2. Thought patterns are shared

Conversations shape our thoughts. If you're constantly hearing about failure, stress, and limitations, your mind starts believing that success is out of reach. But if your daily conversations revolve around opportunities, strategies, and self-improvement, your thoughts align with growth and ambition.

3. Habits are socially reinforced

Behavioral studies show that we unconsciously copy the habits of those we spend time with. If your social circle prioritizes health, education, and financial success, you will too. If they waste time, engage in self-destructive behaviors, and make excuses, you’re likely to follow suit.

The reality is simple: your environment dictates your future.

Why do people with mental health struggles stick together?

It might seem paradoxical that people with similar struggles cluster together, but there’s a psychological explanation:

1. Shared understanding and ualidation

People dealing with mental health issues often feel misunderstood by those who don’t experience the same challenges. Being around others with similar struggles provides a sense of validation and support.

2. Avoidance of discomfort

Improving mental health often requires facing uncomfortable truths and making difficult changes. Sticking to a familiar group, even if it’s unhealthy, feels safer than stepping into the unknown.

3. Fear of judgment from more successful people

Being around highly successful or mentally strong individuals can be intimidating. It forces self-reflection, and for some, it’s easier to stay where they feel "accepted" rather than risk feeling inadequate.

This doesn’t mean these individuals are doomed to stay in a negative cycle. But breaking free requires intentional effort and the courage to step outside their comfort zone.

Why do successful people stick together?

If you've ever observed high-achievers, you'll notice they have an almost gravitational pull toward each other. Why?

1. Success requires a growth-oriented mindset

Winners think differently. They focus on solutions, take ownership of their lives, and constantly seek improvement. When they spend time with like-minded people, they reinforce and accelerate each other’s success.

2. High achievers challenge each oOther

Being surrounded by success pushes you to level up. If your friends are making major moves in their careers, personal growth, and finances, you’ll feel the pressure to do the same.

3. Time is precious – They protect their energy

Successful people are careful about where they invest their time and energy. They avoid negativity and excuses because they understand that who you surround yourself with determines your future.

The biggest takeaway? If you want success, you must start acting like someone who deserves it—and that starts with your environment.

5 Ways to find and join successful people

If you’re ready to upgrade your life by surrounding yourself with success-oriented people, here’s how to do it:

1. Be someone they want to be around

You don’t need to be ultra-successful to attract successful people. What matters is your mindset. Are you solution-focused? Are you working on yourself? Successful people don’t just look for others at their level—they look for people with ambition, positivity, and drive.

Develop an abundance mindset
Focus on solutions, not problems
Take action instead of making excuses

People are drawn to energy, ambition, and personal responsibility. Cultivate those traits, and you’ll naturally start attracting the right people.

2. Engage in high-value communities

Success-oriented people gather in specific places. Find them and show up.

Entrepreneur & Business Groups – Join mastermind groups, co-working spaces, or industry networking events.
Personal Development Events – Attend seminars, workshops, and self-improvement courses.
Investment & Finance Circles – Follow financial literacy groups, join real estate clubs, or start engaging with wealth-building communities.

By placing yourself in these spaces, you’ll start building relationships with people who think bigger.

3. Create and share value

The fastest way to get into a successful network is to bring something valuable to the table. Successful people love to connect with those who contribute rather than just take.

Offer your skills (marketing, strategy, networking, design, writing, etc.)
Share useful insights, resources, or connections
Support their projects genuinely and consistently

When you provide value first, people will naturally want to include you in their circles.

4. Invest in a mentor or coach

One of the best ways to break into higher-level networks is to pay to be in the room.

Hire a mentor who is already where you want to be
Join high-level coaching programs or masterminds
Pay for access to premium events where successful people gather

Mentorship accelerates success by providing direct access to the mindset, strategies, and habits you need to level up.

5. Cut out toxic influences

You can’t move forward if you’re still chained to environments that hold you back.

Limit time with people who complain, make excuses, or resist growth
Reduce exposure to negative media, gossip, and drama
Seek environments that challenge and uplift you

It’s not about abandoning old friends, but you must protect your mental space. Spend most of your time with those who inspire you, not those who drain you.

Final thoughts: Your future is shaped by your circle

If you feel stuck, struggling, or uninspired, it’s time to assess your environment. The people around you are either helping you grow or holding you back.

Success isn’t just about working harder—it’s about positioning yourself in the right circles.

So, ask yourself:

• Who do you spend most of your time with?

• Are they pushing you forward or keeping you stuck?

• What can you do today to start upgrading your environment?

Your future is not a mystery. It’s built, piece by piece, by the people, ideas, and energy you surround yourself with.

Choose wisely!