5 Things Successful Women do Differently – #4 They Surround Themselves with Brilliant People!

Welcome back to our series on the 5 Things Successful Women Do Differently, inspired by a conversation I recently had with my niece about success. I shared with her that success isn’t a mystery—it follows a proven formula that anyone can learn by paying attention to the clues left by those who’ve already achieved it.

Last week, we focused on the importance of self-care. Today, we’re diving into the fourth thing successful women do differently: they surround themselves with brilliant people!

The Fourth Thing Successful Women Do Differently – They Surround Themselves with Brilliant People!

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” – Jim Rohn

Think about it—some people uplift and inspire you, while others can drain your energy and dampen your spirit. Successful women know this truth all too well. They are intentional about their circle, choosing to spend time with individuals who challenge, support, and elevate them.

Why Surrounding Yourself with Brilliant People Matters

Some people can be parasites. They drain your happiness, sap your energy, and may even take advantage of your time and resources. Spending time with them can feel as unproductive as indulging in unhealthy habits. On the other hand, brilliant people will enrich your life in countless ways. Here are five reasons to surround yourself with brilliant people:

1. They Inspire You to Be a Better Person
   Successful women don’t settle for mediocrity. They look up to and learn from people who are ahead of them, constantly pushing themselves to grow and improve.

   Example: Serena Williams often credits her sister Venus for her success. Growing up with a sister who shared the same goals and values helped her stay focused and driven. Serena says, “There’s nobody I would rather lose to than Venus, but there is also nobody I would rather beat.”

2. They Provide Motivation to Achieve Your Goals
   When you see your friends or peers working hard and reaching milestones, it fuels your own drive to succeed. Surrounding yourself with motivated people creates a ripple effect of determination.

   Quote: “Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.” – Oprah Winfrey

3. They Celebrate Rather Than Tolerate You
   Brilliant people don’t just accept you—they celebrate you. They cheer on your wins and encourage you when you stumble, creating an environment where you can truly thrive.

   Story: When Michelle Obama was First Lady, she built a team of brilliant women who not only supported her but also pushed each other to excel. She often speaks about the importance of her friendships with strong women who help her keep her perspective.

4. They Stretch You Out of Your Comfort Zone
   Growth doesn’t happen in comfort. The people you surround yourself with should challenge you to think bigger, try new things, and embrace opportunities that push you beyond your limits.

   Reference: In her book Lean In, Sheryl Sandberg emphasizes the importance of having mentors and peers who challenge you. She credits her circle for encouraging her to step up and take on leadership roles she might have shied away from.

5. They Bring a Different Perspective to Life
   Brilliant people don’t just agree with you—they challenge your ideas and help you see things from a new angle. Their diverse perspectives are invaluable in helping you make more informed decisions.

   Example: Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia were close friends despite their ideological differences. Their friendship was rooted in mutual respect, and their debates often sharpened their arguments, proving that differing perspectives can be a powerful asset.

Reflect on Your Inner Circle

Take a moment to think about the people you spend the most time with. Write down their qualities and consider how they interact with and affect you. Do they uplift you? Do they challenge you to be your best self? Are you happier and more energized after spending time with them?

If you answered “yes” to these questions, then you’re already surrounded by brilliant people. If not, it might be time to reevaluate your relationships and make a conscious effort to spend more time with those who inspire and elevate you.

3 Steps to Connect with Brilliant People

According to 7 Steps to Develop Healthy Relationships with Anyone by James Justin, here are three foundational steps to help you build connections with brilliant people:

1. Be Self-Aware
   Understanding yourself is the first step to building meaningful relationships. When you know your values, strengths, and areas for growth, you’re better equipped to accept others as they are.
2. Be Selective
   Aristotle said it best: “A friend to all is a friend to none.” Choose your circle wisely, ensuring that those closest to you align with your values and bring out the best in you.
3. Be the Friend You Want to Attract
   Zig Ziglar famously said, “If you go looking for a friend, you’re going to find they’re very scarce. If you go out to be a friend, you’ll find them everywhere.” Be the kind of person you want to surround yourself with, and you’ll naturally attract those who resonate with your energy.

Coming Up Next…

Next week, we’ll explore habit #5: Having an attitude of gratitude. Don’t miss it!

Call to Action

Are you ready to build a circle of brilliant women who will support, inspire, and challenge you? Join the Optometry Divas community, where driven women come together to prioritize self-care, success, and sisterhood. Visit optometrydivas.com/join to learn more and start connecting with like-minded women today!

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