We’ve all heard the saying, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” But I’ve found another perspective that resonates deeply:

“Surround yourself with people who have bigger goals than you. Ambition is contagious.”

This isn’t just a catchy quote, it’s a powerful truth about growth, motivation, and the environments we choose for ourselves.

The Energy of Ambition

Ambition isn’t static. It flows, spreads, and amplifies depending on who you’re around. When you spend time with people who dream big, aim high, and refuse to settle, it changes the way you view your own potential.

• Their perspective challenges your assumptions.
• Their work ethic inspires you to stretch a little further.
• Their resilience makes your own setbacks feel manageable.

It’s not about competition, it’s about momentum. Their drive pulls you forward, often faster than you could push yourself alone.

Choosing Your Circle Intentionally

We don’t always get to choose every person in our orbit. But when it comes to mentors, colleagues, friends, and professional networks, we have more choice than we think.

Surrounding yourself with people who set bold goals does a few things:

• Expands your horizon: You see opportunities you might never have considered.
• Raises your standards: What once felt “good enough” now feels like just the starting line.
• Reframes success: Instead of measuring yourself against yesterday, you start measuring yourself against possibility.

It’s not about feeling “less than” when others set bigger goals, it’s about being lifted by their vision.

When Ambition Feels Uncomfortable

The truth is, sitting next to big dreamers can sometimes feel uncomfortable. You might catch yourself asking:

• Am I doing enough?
• Should I be further along?
• What if I can’t keep up?

That discomfort isn’t a sign you’re failing, it’s a sign you’re growing. Growth almost always comes with a little friction. Instead of letting it trigger self-doubt, let it fuel self-reflection: What’s one area where I can stretch my ambition, just a little further than feels comfortable?

The Ripple Effect

One of the most beautiful things about ambition is that it doesn’t just spread one way. When you immerse yourself in ambitious circles, you don’t only absorb, you contribute. Your own wins, perspective, and drive spark others to keep reaching higher.

Think of it like running with a faster group. At first, you’re working to keep pace. Eventually, you realize you’re running faster than you ever thought you could. And one day, someone else is trying to keep up with you.

Balance

Now, take note. Ambition doesn’t always mean sprinting at full speed. Depending on where you are in your career, balance is essential. Push too hard for too long, and you risk burning out; stay too comfortable for too long, and you risk rusting out. The key is knowing when to lean into growth and when to give yourself space to recharge. Ambition isn’t about constant extremes, it’s about forward motion, however steady or bold the pace may be.

A Call to Action

Take a moment today to reflect on the people around you:

• Who inspires you with the scale of their vision?
• Who makes you want to raise your standards?
• Who challenges you to think bigger, act braver, and keep moving forward?

If you don’t have enough of those people in your life, seek them out. Join a community, find a mentor, or even reach out to someone you admire. You’ll be surprised how often ambitious people are willing to share their energy with those who want to grow.

Because here’s the truth: ambition really is contagious. The right people don’t just change what you do, they change what you believe is possible.

And once you’ve caught that kind of ambition? You’ll start spreading it too.

👉 What about you, have you ever had someone’s ambition change your perspective or accelerate your own goals?