7 types of people to surround yourself with if you want to build confidence and cut out negativity

Isabella Chase by Isabella Chase | June 11, 2025, 11:22 am

We all know how much the people around us can influence our mood, our decisions, and even our self-belief. Surrounding yourself with the right kind of people is like nourishing your soul with positivity and resilience.

If you want a boost of confidence and a life with less negativity, there are certain types of people you should keep close.

In this article, I’m going to share seven types of individuals you should surround yourself with to build your confidence and cut out negativity. These are the cheerleaders who will help you grow, inspire you, and provide the positive reinforcement we all need to thrive.

So, let’s dive in and discover these crucial companions that can help shape your journey towards a more confident and positive you.

1) The cheerleader

We all need someone in our corner, cheering us on with unwavering support. This person believes in you, even when you’re struggling to believe in yourself.

The Cheerleader is the one who will stand by your side, reminding you of your strengths and capabilities, especially during the tough times. They’re the one who will celebrate your accomplishments with you, no matter how small they may seem.

Their positivity and faith in you can be infectious. When you’re surrounded by this kind of energy, it’s much easier to build confidence and cut out negativity.

Having a Cheerleader doesn’t mean they’ll blindly support all your decisions.

They should also be someone who can provide constructive criticism when necessary. But their primary role is to lift you up, inspire you, and instill in you the belief that you can achieve whatever you set your mind to.

2) The mentor

Let me tell you about a person who made a significant impact on my life. I met my mentor during a time when I was feeling quite lost, unsure about my career path and personal life choices.

My mentor had walked the path before me. They had made mistakes, learned from them, and had a wealth of wisdom to share. They didn’t just tell me what to do, but instead, they guided me, allowing me to make my own decisions and learn from my experiences.

They pushed me out of my comfort zone, challenged my views, and helped me grow both professionally and personally. They were not just invested in my success, but also my growth as an individual.

Having a mentor in your life can be incredibly empowering. They provide guidance, share wisdom, offer advice and help you navigate through the challenges of life.

This person can be a beacon during your darkest times and a guiding light leading you towards success. Surrounding yourself with mentors is an excellent way to build confidence and eliminate negativity from your life.

3) The optimist

Did you know that optimists tend to live longer, healthier lives?

According to a study, optimistic individuals are more likely to reach the age of 85 or older. This is likely due to their ability to regulate emotions and handle stress more effectively.

An Optimist is a person who always sees the glass as half full. They’re the ones who can find a silver lining in every cloud, helping you see the positive aspect of any situation.

When you’re surrounded by people who cultivate positivity and hope, it becomes easier for you to do the same.

Being around an Optimist can inspire you to approach life with a more positive outlook, helping you build confidence and decrease negativity in your life. Their enthusiasm and zest for life can be infectious, helping you see opportunities instead of obstacles.

4) The listener

In a world where everyone is eager to put forth their opinions, finding someone who genuinely listens can be a rare treasure. The Listener is that person who gives you their undivided attention, making you feel heard and valued.

They’re not just waiting for their turn to speak but are genuinely interested in understanding your thoughts and feelings. This person respects your views, empathizes with your struggles, and celebrates your victories.

Having a Listener in your life can do wonders for your confidence. It allows you to express your innermost thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or criticism.

Their patient ear and understanding heart can help you navigate through life’s ups and downs, keeping negativity at bay.

5) The challenger

I’ll be honest – sometimes, being around the Challenger can be uncomfortable.

They’re the ones who question your decisions, push your boundaries, and make you rethink your views. They don’t let you settle for less and always encourage you to strive for more.

I recall a time when I was content with my job, even though it didn’t truly fulfill me. It was the Challenger in my life who asked me tough questions and made me realize that I was capable of doing so much more.

The Challenger helps you grow by making you step outside your comfort zone. They make you realize your true potential and build confidence to reach for your dreams.

A relationship with a Challenger can be a rollercoaster ride, but it’s one that will leave you stronger and more resilient, cutting out negativity from your life.

6) The role model

Having a Role Model in your life can be incredibly inspiring.

This is the person who embodies the qualities you admire and aspire to have. They set examples through their actions, showing you what it’s possible to achieve with hard work, dedication, and positivity.

Whether it’s their professional success, personal values, or the way they handle challenges, a Role Model can provide you with a roadmap to your own success. Seeing them conquer their fears and achieve their goals can encourage you to do the same.

Surrounding yourself with Role Models can be a powerful confidence booster. It allows you to learn from their experiences and adapt their positive traits, helping you grow and cut out negativity from your life.

7) The authentic friend

At the end of the day, nothing beats the company of an Authentic Friend. This person accepts you for who you are, with all your strengths and weaknesses. They don’t ask you to put on a facade or pretend to be someone you’re not.

An Authentic Friend provides a safe space where you can be yourself without fear of judgment. They value your authenticity and encourage you to embrace it.

This acceptance can significantly boost your confidence and help keep negativity at bay.

Their honesty, transparency, and genuine care for you can act as a mirror, reflecting your true self and helping you grow into the best version of yourself.

Final reflections

The power of associations is undeniable. The people you surround yourself with significantly influence your thoughts, actions, and overall outlook on life.

A quote by motivational speaker Jim Rohn sums this up perfectly, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” This simple yet profound statement underlines the impact of our social circle on our personal and professional growth.

Surrounding yourself with positive, inspiring, and supportive individuals can serve as a catalyst to boost your confidence and eliminate negativity from your life.

As you reflect on your relationships, ask yourself – are the people around you lifting you up or pulling you down? Are they contributing to your confidence or feeding into your negativity?

Remember, the power to choose your circle lies with you. Choose wisely.