Relationships shape every part of our lives—personally, professionally, and everything in between.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a relationship expert, it’s that success isn’t just about what you know—it’s about who you surround yourself with.
Some relationships push you forward, while others hold you back. The key is knowing which ones to invest in if you want to grow, thrive, and reach your goals.
I’ve seen firsthand how the right connections can open doors, spark new opportunities, and even change the course of your life.
That’s why I’m sharing the eight types of relationships you need to start cultivating today if you want to get ahead. Let’s dive in!
1) Mentors who have been where you want to go
If you want to get ahead in life, one of the smartest things you can do is learn from people who have already walked the path you’re trying to take.
Mentors can give you insights, guidance, and even a few shortcuts that you wouldn’t have figured out on your own.
They’ve been through the challenges, made the mistakes, and found the solutions—so why not learn from their experience instead of reinventing the wheel?
The key to finding a great mentor is to look for someone whose values align with yours and who genuinely wants to see you grow.
And don’t be afraid to reach out—most successful people are more willing to share their wisdom than you might think.
Having the right mentor can be a game changer. They can help you avoid costly mistakes and push you toward opportunities you might not have seen on your own.
So if you don’t have a mentor yet, now’s the time to start looking!
2) Friends who challenge you to be better
We all love having friends who support us, but the best friendships aren’t just about encouragement—they’re about growth.
You need people in your life who challenge you, push you out of your comfort zone, and inspire you to be better.
I’ve had friends who told me exactly what I wanted to hear, and I’ve had friends who told me the hard truth when I needed it most. Guess which ones helped me grow?
As Aristotle wisely said, “A friend to all is a friend to none.”
In other words, real friends don’t just agree with everything you say—they keep you accountable and push you toward your potential.
Surround yourself with people who challenge your thinking, introduce you to new ideas, and encourage you to go after bigger goals. The right friendships can elevate every area of your life.
3) Supportive partners who uplift you
The person you choose to share your life with has a huge impact on your happiness, confidence, and success.
A supportive partner doesn’t just love you—they believe in you, encourage your dreams, and help you become the best version of yourself.
I’ve seen too many people stay in relationships that drain them instead of lift them up. Trust me, I’ve been there.
It’s one of the reasons I wrote my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship.
Learning to recognize unhealthy patterns and build stronger, more empowering relationships is a game changer.
A great partner should be your biggest cheerleader—not someone who makes you doubt yourself or holds you back.
Choose someone who pushes you forward and celebrates your wins as if they were their own. When you have that kind of relationship, success becomes so much easier to achieve.
4) Critics who keep you grounded
It might sound counterintuitive, but you actually need people in your life who don’t always agree with you.
Not haters—there’s a difference—but thoughtful critics who challenge your ideas and force you to see things from a different perspective.
Early in my career, I used to avoid criticism like the plague.
But over time, I realized that some of the most valuable feedback came from people who weren’t afraid to call me out or question my approach. It wasn’t always fun to hear, but it made me better.
The key is knowing which critics to listen to. Ignore the ones who just want to tear you down, and pay attention to those who genuinely push you to improve.
If you’re only surrounded by people who agree with everything you say, you’ll never grow.
5) Connectors who open doors for you
Some people just seem to know everyone. They’re the ones who can introduce you to the right people, connect you with new opportunities, and help you get ahead faster than you ever could alone.
I’ll never forget one conversation that completely changed my career.
A friend casually introduced me to someone at an event, and that introduction led to a massive opportunity I never saw coming. That’s the power of having connectors in your life.
These people don’t just keep opportunities to themselves—they share them. They love bringing people together and making things happen.
And here’s the secret: the best way to attract connectors into your life is to be one yourself. When you help others make valuable connections, they’ll be more likely to do the same for you.
6) Rivals who push you to level up
Let’s be real—competition can be uncomfortable. No one loves the feeling of being outshined or challenged. But whether we admit it or not, having a rival can be one of the most powerful motivators in life.
I’ve had moments where someone else got the opportunity I wanted, and yeah, it stung.
But instead of sitting around feeling sorry for myself, I used that fire to get better. To work harder. To prove to myself that I could rise to the challenge.
A good rival isn’t your enemy. They’re the person who unknowingly pushes you to go further than you would on your own.
They show you what’s possible and force you to step up your game. So instead of resenting them, embrace the competition—it might just be exactly what you need.
7) Wise elders who offer perspective
There’s something invaluable about having people in your life who have been through it all—the highs, the lows, and everything in between.
Wise elders bring a perspective that only comes with time, and if you’re smart, you’ll listen to them.
I can’t tell you how many times a conversation with someone older and wiser has saved me from making a terrible decision.
Sometimes, we get so caught up in the moment that we forget to zoom out and see the bigger picture. That’s where their wisdom comes in.
As C.S. Lewis once said, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”
The right mentors and elders remind us that life is long, setbacks are temporary, and reinvention is always possible.
So seek out those who have lived a little (or a lot). Their advice might just change the way you see everything.
8) People who tell you the hard truth
Let’s be honest—most people don’t like hearing the truth when it’s uncomfortable.
We want to believe we’re always making the right choices, that we’re on the right path, and that everything is fine. But sometimes, it’s not fine, and we need someone brave enough to call us out.
I’ve had moments where a close friend or mentor looked me in the eye and said something I really didn’t want to hear.
And you know what? Those were the moments that changed me the most. Because deep down, I knew they were right.
The people who truly care about you aren’t the ones who sugarcoat everything—they’re the ones who risk upsetting you because they want you to do better.
Find people who will tell you the truth, even when it stings. They’re the ones who’ll help you grow in ways you never expected.
Final thoughts
The people you surround yourself with can either push you forward or hold you back. If you want to get ahead in life, start being intentional about the relationships you cultivate.
Seek out mentors, challengers, supporters, and truth-tellers—because the right people will help you grow in ways you never imagined.
And if you’re looking to build healthier, stronger relationships, I dive even deeper into this in my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship.
It’s all about recognizing unhealthy patterns and learning how to create connections that truly uplift and empower you.
At the end of the day, success isn’t just about what you do—it’s about who you do it with. Choose wisely.
