Ever wonder why some business leaders seem to effortlessly soar while others feel stuck in an endless loop of firefighting?

The answer might be hiding in plain sight—right in your inner circle.

I've been there as the CEO of a family-owned B2B service business for the last fifteen years. The overwhelming pressure, the constant feeling of being indispensable, the nagging sense that I could be doing better—it's exhausting—like trying to fly a commercial aircraft with one engine sputtering.

I remember the day it hit me.

I was on a flight to a mastermind in San Diego, nursing my third espresso and cleaning my nose since I had a nasty cold only exacerbated by the altitude's pressure. The person sitting next to me leaned over my lap and proceeded to have a conversation with the then-CFO of TopGolf.

Their energy, ideas, and standards were operating on a different level.

And there I was, feeling like a Cessna pilot in a jet simulator.

Our environment shapes us more than we realize. I'm not just talking about office decor! It's the people we surround ourselves with that truly matter.

Upgrade the Company You Keep

Have you ever heard the saying, "You're the average of the five people you spend the most time with"?

Well, it's not just a catchy phrase—it's a wake-up call. And if you need an even bigger wake-up call, read Clear Thinking by Shane Parrish.

Think about it:

• Who are your five closest business associates?

• What are their standards?

• Are they pushing you to grow or keeping you comfortably average?

Raise the Bar

Here's the thing: average standards lead to average outcomes.

And let's face it, in the cutthroat world of small business, average just doesn't cut it.

So, how do we break free from this mediocrity trap?

1. Evaluate your circle. Are they challenging you to be better or dragging you down?

2. Seek out high-standard individuals. Find mentors, peers, and even employees who set the bar high. Their habits and attitudes will rub off on you.

3. Be willing to make tough decisions about your associations.

It's not easy.

Heck, it's about as comfortable as a Jiu-Jitsu class for beginners.

But the results?

Who you surround yourself with is who you'll become.

Remember, upgrading your circle isn't about ditching old friends. It's about strategically expanding your network to include those who will challenge you, inspire you, and yes, sometimes make you feel like the dumbest person in the room.

Ready to take your business to new heights?

Start by elevating your standards. And if you need a wingman on this journey, I'm here to help. Let's grab a virtual coffee (or three) and chart a course for your business's future.