Hi guys! Welcome to Episode 624 of the wildly successful lifestyle podcast! I’m Heidi and I am happy you’re here. I’m happy that we are growing together 10 minutes at a time. Because as you will shockingly see in this episode who you hang with really really matters. So be sure to subscribe and follow the show and maybe throw in a 5 star review if you’re loving it, you influence more than you know by doing that because ratings matter for the reach of any podcast. So if you’re helped someone else might be too. So thank you in advance.
Ok. Years ago I was visiting a good friend of mine who lived in another state. I stayed at her home and it was such an amazing experience. I felt so welcome and it almost felt like a 5 star resort even though she lived in a small condo in Colorado. She had fresh flowers in my room. A little welcome setup of fruit, sparkling water and little chocolates. In the morning she made me this gourmet coffee drink in the most lovely coffee cup. Every little vignette in her home was a beautiful fascinating experience. And I loved every minute of it. I remember coming home and redoing my coffee cups and rearranging certain areas of my home and any time I have guests I make sure to try and make them have at least half the experience I had with my friend. It’s been years now and just that one weekend had a huge effect on how I do certain things to this day.
My point in telling you that story is that if one weekend years ago had such a huge influence on me to this day. How are the people we surround ourselves with daily influencing us?
My big sister stayed with me for several days this last week. She had a stroke years ago so Her mobility isn’t great and she isn’t able to get around well so she is often sitting. I noticed my activity level also went down even though I was proud of myself for still getting in my workouts and my dog walks daily I noticed a difference in how I felt with a lower activity level. My energy went down the less we moved. Now funny thing is that when she’s with me she moves a lot more than when she’s home because my life is pretty active. So when she goes home she moves a little more because it feels good to move.
We are so heavily influenced by the people we surround ourselves with, it’s almost shocking.
“So, let’s think about this more. That weekend with my friend reshaped my home and hosting habits for years—fresh flowers, thoughtful touches, it all stuck. And with my sister, it was a reminder that influence goes both ways: her presence dialed down my energy a bit, but mine amped up hers. We rub off on each other in ways we don’t even realize.
Imagine your daily crew—friends, family, coworkers. Their habits sneak into yours. If they’re always grabbing takeout, you might too. If they’re gym enthusiasts, suddenly you’re lacing up sneakers more often. It’s like osmosis for behaviors. And it’s not just about activity; it spans eating, mindset, even happiness. Ever notice how a grumpy friend can sour your mood, or an optimistic one lifts you up? We’re wired for this—it’s human nature.”
Now, if you’re wondering if this is just anecdotal, let’s look at what the research says. Studies show our social circles profoundly shape us, backed by hard data from long-term research like the Framingham Heart Study, which tracked over 12,000 people for decades.
Take obesity, for example—something tied to daily habits like eating and moving. If a close friend becomes obese, your own chance of gaining weight jumps by 57%. For siblings, it’s 40%, and for spouses, 37%. It’s not just shared environments; it’s the normalization of behaviors. Friends influence us most because we choose them, and their choices ripple out.
Happiness works the same way—it spreads like a contagion. Each additional happy friend boosts your own happiness by about 9%. If a friend within a mile becomes happier, your odds of feeling happier rise by 25%. And this effect reaches three degrees of separation—your friend’s friend’s friend can indirectly brighten your day!
On the activity front, social support is key. Friend encouragement for exercise is linked to less weight gain over time, and stronger peer networks lead to healthier habits overall. Even quitting smoking clusters in groups: if a friend quits, your chance of smoking drops by 36%; if a spouse does, it’s a whopping 67% decrease. These numbers are shocking—they show how interconnected we are. Your circle isn’t just company; it’s a mirror and a motivator.”
So, if one weekend can reshape your life, imagine the power of your daily surroundings. This isn’t about ditching friends—it’s about awareness. Take a moment: Who are the five people you spend the most time with? Do their habits align with who you want to be? Are you energizing them too?
I challenge you this week: Notice one influence—maybe a friend’s active lifestyle inspiring a walk, or a coworker’s positivity shifting your outlook. Then, flip it—be the influence. Host a healthy dinner, share an uplifting story, or just move more around someone who needs it. Like with my sister, it creates a positive loop.
Remember, we’re all shaping each other. Choose your influences wisely, and wield yours with intention.
Share this with 3 people who are a positive influence on you. I love you guys, I’ll talk to you in a few days!
