Imagine trying to run a marathon while carrying a backpack stuffed with bricks. At first, you might think you can handle it—it’s just a little extra weight, right?
But as the miles stretch on, that small burden becomes unbearable. Your pace slows, your energy drains, and you start questioning if you’ll ever cross the finish line.
All the while, others around you are running light and free, leaving you in the dust.
Why am I telling you this?
Because, that’s what it feels like to pursue success while dragging along the wrong people. They sap your energy, dampen your motivation, and create hurdles where there shouldn’t be any.
Instead of focusing on the race ahead, you’re constantly battling the weight they bring into your life.
With this in mind, we’re identifying five types of people who might be holding you back.
Let’s get into it.
1) The naysayers
We all have them in our lives. The people who, no matter what you do, always find a way to pour cold water on your plans.
These are the naysayers, the ones who tell you that your dreams are too big, or your plans are too ambitious. They might mean well, often voicing their own fears and insecurities rather than a fair judgment of your capabilities.
Their negativity, however unintentional, can seep into your mindset and make you second-guess yourself. This self-doubt can be a significant roadblock on your path to wealth and success.
If you’re really serious about achieving big things, it might be time to put some distance between yourself and the naysayers in your life. Their limiting beliefs don’t have to become yours.
2) The constant competitors
This is one I know all too well.
I remember a friend from my college days. Let’s call him John. John and I were always neck and neck in our studies, sports, and even in our social lives. It felt like everything was a competition.
At first, it was motivating. The constant race to be better pushed both of us. But over time, I realized this constant comparison wasn’t healthy. It made me lose sight of my own goals as I was too caught up in trying to outdo John.
Being successful isn’t about being better than someone else; it’s about being the best version of yourself. It’s about setting your own pace, working towards your own goals, not constantly trying to overshadow someone else’s achievements.
If you have a “John” in your life, it might be time to step out of the race. Focus on your path and let them focus on theirs. Success isn’t a zero-sum game.
3) The energy vampires
Do you know someone who seems to drain the life out of every room they enter? The kind of person who, after a conversation, leaves you feeling mentally and emotionally exhausted?
That’s what we call an energy vampire.
These individuals thrive on drama, complaints, or endless negativity. They don’t just vent occasionally—they make it their default state. Every time you’re around them, it’s like plugging into a device that’s sucking the energy straight out of you, leaving nothing but fatigue and frustration in its wake.
The issue with energy vampires is that they distract you from your goals. Instead of focusing on solutions, growth, or opportunities, they pull your attention to their constant problems and pessimism. Over time, their energy-draining habits can become a significant obstacle to your own productivity and motivation.
Cutting ties with an energy vampire doesn’t have to be dramatic. It might mean reducing contact or setting firm boundaries to protect your mental space.
The point is your energy is one of your most valuable resources—guard it fiercely.
4) The comfort zone dwellers
Here’s something I learned the hard way: surrounding yourself with people who are content to stay in their comfort zones will eventually keep you in yours.
Comfort zone dwellers are the people who avoid risks, resist change, and stick to what feels safe—even when it’s clear that growth lies outside of those boundaries. They’re quick to dismiss ambitious ideas, not because they’re malicious, but because they genuinely can’t imagine taking the kind of leaps success often requires.
The problem? Their mindset is contagious. Spend enough time around them, and you might start second-guessing your own dreams, questioning why you’d want to push beyond the “good enough” they’ve settled for.
Growth and success demand discomfort—trying new things, taking calculated risks, and stepping into the unknown. Comfort zone dwellers won’t encourage that.
To reach your full potential, you need to be around people who inspire you to stretch, challenge you to grow, and cheer you on when the path gets tough.
Don’t let their contentment with mediocrity hold you back from the extraordinary.
5) The reckless spenders
Let’s finish on a practical one!
We all know someone who treats money like it’s burning a hole in their pocket. They’re the first to suggest extravagant dinners, impulsive shopping sprees, or trips they can’t afford—and they often expect you to join in.
What’s the problem with this?
Well, over time, their carefree attitude toward finances can start rubbing off on you. You might find yourself justifying purchases you don’t need or stretching your budget just to keep up. Worse, their poor money habits can make it harder to maintain focus on your financial goals.
Building wealth requires discipline. It’s about making smart decisions, delaying gratification, and sticking to a plan—even when temptation calls.
Constantly spending time with people who don’t respect the value of money can derail that mindset and lead to setbacks you’ll regret later.
The bottom line
Here’s to building a circle that matches your ambition!
