When a person sets out on a path to achieve a goal—no matter what it is: studies, career, relationships, or even self-fulfillment—they meet many people along the way. Some alongside them only for a moment, while others stay for a long period. But in everything we choose to do, the people by our side have a great influence on our success.

Our goal won't be achieved alone. The environment decides whether to lift us up or challenge us with doubt, fear, and criticism. Just like a marathon runner: imagine you're running, and at the peak of your effort, you suddenly hear shouts from the crowd—"This is dangerous, you look tired," "The temperature is high, maybe you should drop out now," "You won't finish this, don't bother trying!"

What effect would such shouts have? In most cases, they weaken, damage confidence, and might even make one want to stop.

But what happens if along the route you hear encouragement? Someone claps, runs a few steps with you, hands you a water bottle, and quietly reminds: "You've passed the hard part, you're almost there, you can do this!"

Suddenly the body fills with strength, the eyes set on the path ahead, and the heart fills with renewed faith.

A positive environment is the fuel for our journey. That's why it's important to carefully choose the people we bring into our lives: to choose those who encourage, celebrate, give kind words, and bring energy of joy and hope; people who believe in who we are and what we want to achieve.

How do we bring the right people into our journey? We share our goal only with positive people, those we're sure will believe in us and help us advance. We don't waste energy explaining to negative people and doubters. We keep our inner strength for ourselves and cultivate an environment that nourishes us with good energy.

One of my young clients desperately wanted to study medicine, despite doubts from family members. They pressured her to drop it because she didn't have the grades, and said that even if she tried to improve them, her chances of acceptance were zero. This influence made her doubt herself and consider giving up.

I advised her to choose two people she knew for sure believed in her and could accompany her on her journey. She chose her father and her aunt. I gave her a clear instruction: not to consult or share with negative people or those who don't believe in her abilities, but to listen only to supporters and strengtheners.

And so it was. Every time she felt tired or struggled with doubt in her ability, she turned to them, heard a kind word, got encouraged, and continued onward with renewed strength.

With those who transmitted negative messages, she learned to distance or simply not share, understanding that others' belief in us builds our own self-belief. In this way, she succeeded in realizing her dream and getting accepted to medical studies.

But there's another important side here: just as we want to surround ourselves with supportive people who believe in us, others have that need too. If we choose to be the ones who celebrate, who believe, who encourage—we will attract more people with that same positive mindset. When we choose to celebrate others' successes, urge someone else to persist, offer a kind word, and believe in the abilities of those around us, very quickly we'll discover that the support and positivity we give returns to us in surprising ways. Positive people are drawn to positive people. It's a virtuous circle that empowers everyone.

So if you want more positive, caring people around you—start by being that for others. I recommend implementing this first with those closest to you: siblings, close friends, children, and your partner. Close relationships are especially worth great investment, because they can be the strongest anchor on the path to achieving goals and dealing with challenges.

You are the one who chooses who will be your crowd while you run life's marathon. Choose wisely—and you'll discover the path becomes much easier, joyful, and full of achievements.