Want to Be More Productive? Surround Yourself with These People

Ever notice how some people bring out your best? Maybe it’s a friend who’s always on top of things, a business partner who keeps you focused, or a workout buddy who motivates you to show up. On the flip side, others can drain your energy—like coworkers who complain more than they work or friends who normalize procrastination.

The truth is, the people around you shape your productivity more than you think. Surrounding yourself with the right energy can encourage you to show up differently. If you’re feeling stuck or unmotivated, it might not just be your habits—it could be who’s influencing them.

Your Productivity Reflects Your Environment

I’ve noticed that productivity is often influenced by the energy around us. It’s easier to stay motivated and get things done when you’re in a space where people are focused and taking action. But when the environment is distracted, unorganized, or unmotivated, it’s easy to slip into that same pattern.

We naturally mirror the behaviors of the people around us—whether at work, at home, or in social settings. If you spend time with proactive and goal-oriented individuals, you’re more likely to adopt those habits.

 As James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, explains:

“Your environment is the invisible hand that shapes your behavior.”

But the opposite is also true—when you’re surrounded by procrastination and negativity, breaking free from that cycle becomes much harder.

That’s why being intentional about your environment and the people you surround yourself with can make a huge difference in your productivity.

How to Be More Productive by Adjusting Your Circle

If you want to level up your productivity, start by looking at who and what is shaping your habits every day. Here’s how you can be more intentional about your environment.

1. Choose to Be Around People Who Get Things Done

One of the easiest ways to boost your productivity? Spend time with people who naturally take action.

You don’t even need to work with them directly—just being in the same space as productive people can change your mindset.

• If you have a big project to work on, try sitting next to a friend who’s also focused on their own work.

• If you struggle with motivation, join a group where people set and track goals together.

• If you’re feeling stuck, schedule a check-in with a mentor or business partner who will hold you accountable.

The more time you spend around action-takers, the more you’ll start thinking and working like them.

2. Create Accountability That Forces You to Follow Through

Rachel and I have noticed that some things only get done when there’s external pressure—and we’re not alone in that.

Think about it:

• You’re more likely to show up to a workout if you’ve made plans to go with a friend.

• You’ll finish a project faster if you’ve committed to presenting it to someone.

• You’ll clean up a messy house if you know guests are coming over.

This is external accountability, one of the best ways to stop procrastinating.

If you’re thinking of ways on how to be more productive, set up small external motivators, like:

• Setting a deadline where someone is expecting a result.

•  Committing to a weekly check-in with a friend or mentor.

•  Putting money down for a class, course, or event to lock yourself in.

• Joining a group or community where progress is tracked and shared.

• Announcing your goals publicly to create accountability.

When you create outside reasons to get things done, you’re less likely to push them aside.

3. Limit Time with People Who Drain Your Energy

We all know someone who spends more time talking about what they’ll do than actually doing it. And if you’re not careful, that energy can pull you down too.

That doesn’t mean cutting people out completely—but it does mean being intentional about where and how you spend your time.

• If certain conversations leave you feeling unmotivated, redirect them to something productive.

• If some environments make it easy to slack off, change your space when you need to focus.

• If a friend or colleague tends to pull you into procrastination, set firmer boundaries on work time vs. social time.

Your time and energy are limited—be mindful of who and what is shaping them.

4. Bring People into Your Space to Elevate Your Productivity

In Episode 59 of the Babies and Business podcast, Rachel and I discussed how external motivation plays a big role in pushing us to level up, whether in business or daily life.

When you surround yourself with the right people, their energy, expectations, and accountability can drive you to show up in a way you might not on your own.

A great example? Hiring new team members.

When we brought on new hires in our business, I suddenly realized I couldn’t operate the same way I did before. I had people relying on me, which meant I had to be more organized, more intentional, and more prepared.

At home, it’s the same thing. If you’ve ever had a guest coming over and suddenly found yourself cleaning at record speed, you know exactly what I mean.

Bringing others into your space forces you to step up and be more intentional.

So if you want to shake things up, try:

• • Scheduling meetings where you have to present your work.

  • Bringing in a coach, mentor, or business partner who will push you.

  • Inviting friends over to co-work or tackle a project together.

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Sometimes, all it takes is one extra person in the room to completely change how you show up.

Who’s Influencing Your Productivity?

Productivity isn’t just about self-discipline—it’s about your environment. The people you spend time with, the habits they encourage, and the energy they bring all impact how effectively you work. Even the most disciplined person will struggle in a space full of distractions or negativity.

Surround yourself with action-takers, set up accountability, and create a space that supports focus and progress. When your environment aligns with your goals, productivity becomes second nature.

Take five minutes today to evaluate who you’re spending the most time with. Are they pushing you forward or holding you back? If it’s the latter, it’s time to make a change.