Have you ever stopped to think about the power of your friend circle? Who you surround yourself with can either elevate you or hold you back. Cinderella’s story is the perfect example of this. From the moment she lost her parents, she didn’t get to choose her circle—it was chosen for her. Her stepmother and stepsisters never wanted her to grow, to shine, or to step into her true potential. And as long as she stayed in that environment, she remained stuck, limited by their negativity.
But something changed when Cinderella made a decision. She sought something greater. She stepped out of her comfort zone and went to the ball. It was in that decision that she found the right circle—one that supported her. The mice who helped her prepare, the Fairy Godmother who gave her guidance, and even the Prince who saw her worth. None of that happened by accident. It was because Cinderella took action. She didn’t sit around waiting for things to change; she moved.
The same applies to your life. You have to be intentional about where you go and who you connect with. When I was growing my podcast, I knew I needed to surround myself with people who understood the industry. So, I started engaging with other podcasters on social media, learning from them, and building connections. When I wanted to grow in my faith, I found my people in church. When I was in college and wanted to be more studious, I spent time in libraries, study groups, and academic spaces. You can’t expect to attract the right people if you’re sitting in the wrong places.
But here’s another lesson—just because someone is close to you doesn’t mean they’re good for you. I once had a so-called best friend, but my father always told me, “Best friends are like diamonds—rare, but some are fake.” It took me time and painful experiences to learn the difference between real friends, fake friends, and enemies. And trust me, all three exist in your life for a reason. Fake friends teach you discernment. Enemies teach you resilience. And real friends? They help you shine.
So ask yourself: Who’s in your circle? Are they holding you back like Cinderella’s stepsisters, or are they pushing you forward like the ones who helped her get to the ball? If you don’t like the answer, it’s time to be intentional. Step out, seek your people, and build the circle that reflects the life you want. Because just like Cinderella, your transformation starts the moment you decide to go after it.
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