Surround Yourself
THCG HEALTH INSIGHTS
“Surround yourself with…” is one of those timeless success and wellness principles that show up in personal development, business, and even health science.
Here are some evidence-based directions you could finish that sentence:
1. Positive, Growth-Minded People
Research shows that emotions and behaviors are socially contagious. People who spend time with supportive, optimistic peers are more likely to adopt healthier habits, experience less stress, and feel more motivated.
2. Those Who Challenge and Inspire You
Jim Rohn’s famous line: “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Surrounding yourself with mentors and peers who push you to grow sets a higher standard for what’s possible.
3. Health-Promoting Environments
Not just people—your physical space matters. Nature, clean air, and spaces designed for movement and rest directly influence well-being.
4. Knowledge and Learning
Lifelong learners thrive. Filling your world with books, podcasts, courses, and conversations that align with your vision keeps you moving forward.
✨ Call to Action:
Take inventory today—who and what are you surrounding yourself with? Are they lifting you higher, or holding you back? Choose wisely, because your environment shapes your future.
Essential Studies & Research
1. Social Influence & “Three Degrees of Influence”
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Christakis & Fowler (2008) – Using the Framingham Heart Study network, they found that happiness—and even behaviors like smoking and obesity—spread through social networks up to three degrees of separation. Each additional happy friend increased an individual’s likelihood of happiness by 9%, compared to a 2% effect from $5,000 in extra income.
The broader concept, social contagion, highlights how emotions and behaviors ripple across social ties, enabling positive shifts such as healthier lifestyle adoption or increased prosocial actions.
2. Habit Formation & Environment
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Systematic Review (2024) – Health-related habits generally form within ~2 months, though timeframes vary by behavior type.
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Earlier Research (2012) – Average time to automaticity was ~10 weeks (66 days).
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Mini-Review (2025) – Environmental cues act as primary habit triggers, stressing the importance of designing surroundings to support desired behaviors.
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Meta-analysis (2023) – Habit-based physical activity interventions improved exercise consistency within the first 12 weeks; social rewards had mixed effects.
3. Social Support in Habit Apps
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App-based Study – People who shared progress with a designated “buddy” achieved stronger habit automaticity, showing how accountability partners accelerate success.
4. Psychological Theories that Matter
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Social Learning Theory (Bandura) – We learn through observing others; environment, personal behavior, and cognition reinforce one another in a loop known as reciprocal determinism.
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Environmental Enrichment – Stimulating physical and social environments improve brain plasticity, resilience, and long-term cognitive health.
5. Workplace Social Influence
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Coworker Eating Study (2024) – In office cafeterias, healthier choices clustered: employees were more likely to choose nutritious meals if peers did the same, reflecting the power of visible social norms.
| Concept | Key Insight |
|---|---|
| Social Contagion | Emotions and behaviors spread up to 3 degrees in your social network |
| Habit Formation | New habits usually form in 2–3 months; environment and consistency matter |
| Social Support | Accountability (e.g., habit buddies) boosts automating desired behaviors |
| Observational Learning | We learn through watching others—environment, behavior, and cognition intertwine |
| Enriched Environments | Stimulating surroundings optimize brain function and adaptability |
| Workplace Influence | Peers influence everyday habits—even food choices—through social modeling |
Which do you choose?
Further Reading
With content below.
Inner Circle (Includes BA, OMM)
Books
The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy – on how small daily choices and influences shape long-term success.
Atomic Habits by James Clear – explores how your environment and the people around you shape behavior.
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg – why habits form, how they’re influenced by social groups, and how to change them.
The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor – research-backed strategies on how positivity and relationships fuel success.
Tribe of Mentors by Tim Ferriss – wisdom from high achievers, reinforcing the power of surrounding yourself with the right influences.
📝 Articles & Research
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“Emotional Contagion in Social Networks” (Harvard Business Review) – how moods spread across groups.
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Journal of Health Communication – studies on social support and wellness behaviors.
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American Psychological Association – resources on resilience and the importance of social environments.
🎧 Podcasts / Talks
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TED Talk: The Hidden Influence of Social Networks by Nicholas Christakis – how friends affect health, happiness, and even weight.
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The Life Coach School Podcast (Brooke Castillo) – emphasizes environment and thought work.
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The Tim Ferriss Show – interviews with leaders on how they curate their circles of influence.
- Health Coach Conversations – conversations that help health coaches and practitioners all around the world to level up our businesses and make a difference in the lives of others.