The Company You Keep [3 Productivity Circles]

There are popular sayings that highlight how much influence the people around us have on our lives:

“Show me your friend and I’ll tell you who you are.”
“Evil communication corrupts good manners.”
“Walk with the wise and become wise; walk with fools and suffer harm.”
“You are a reflection of the people you spend the most time with.”

These statements are often applied to finances, morals, or lifestyle choices. But one area where they are just as relevant, and often overlooked, is productivity.

The way we manage our time, energy, and focus is deeply shaped by the people we engage with daily.

Research on social contagion shows that behaviours, emotions, and even attitudes spread within groups, often unconsciously. Your productivity habits are no exception.

This raises an important question:

• Are the people you interact with conscious of how they use their time?

• Do your conversations fuel self-belief and execution, or do they reinforce procrastination and excuses?

• Are you surrounded by people who have clarity of vision and direction, or by those who simply “go with the tide”?

Depending on your answers, you’ll likely fall into one of three categories. Knowing your category helps you decide your next move.

1. The Stalled Circle

This group drifts without clear goals or direction, often filling their days with low-value activities. Their lack of momentum makes it almost impossible for anyone in the circle to grow. Even the most motivated person will eventually slow down to match the group’s pace. Progress feels heavy because the environment normalizes complacency.

To move forward, you either need to step out or introduce a strong, growth-minded person to reset the standard.

2. The Reactive Circle

Members of this group wait until deadlines or crises force them to act. They get things done, but usually under stress and at the last minute. This reactive mode creates a false sense of productivity while leaving little room for strategic growth. Over time, the habit of urgency-driven work becomes the norm.

To rise higher, you need to plan ahead and connect with people who practice proactive, intentional productivity.

3. The Growth Circle

This circle is intentional, disciplined, and consistent in their actions. They set clear goals and follow through with steady execution. Their productivity is sustainable because they balance deep focus with rest and renewal. Being around them naturally raises your own standards, as excellence becomes the expectation.

The best way to benefit is not just to stay close but to contribute value so the group grows together.

Productivity is not simply about willpower, tools, or tactics. It is also about environmental design, choosing who you allow into your space.

If your environment is draining, your productivity will always be an uphill battle. If your environment is empowering, your productivity becomes a natural by-product.

So ask yourself today: Who am I spending the most time with? And what does that say about where I’m headed?

Your growth depends on your answer.