8 signs someone in your life brings out the best in you, according to psychology

Avatar by Justin Brown | December 10, 2024, 11:21 pm

Not everyone in your life will push you to be your best, but some people naturally bring out the best version of you.

From inspiring your growth to making you feel confident and supported, these people display unique signs that show their positive influence on your life.

But how do you identify these transformative people and relationships? It’s not always easy to see when someone is bringing out the best in you.

However, there are some clear signs that psychologists point to.

1) They foster your creativity

Psychologists have found that people who inspire our creativity often hold a unique place in our lives. They challenge us to think differently, to step beyond the confines of conventional wisdom, and embrace innovative ideas.

Imagine a friend who constantly encourages you to try new things, who celebrates your individuality, and who helps you see the world from different perspectives.

This is a person who invests in your creative potential, believing in your capacity to generate original ideas and solutions.

Such relationships are not about conformity or meeting societal expectations but about nurturing our innate creative essence.

They invite us to tap into our own resourcefulness and originality, leading us towards personal growth and self-fulfillment.

2) They encourage personal accountability

Another sign that someone is bringing out the best in you is their insistence on personal responsibility. These people challenge you to take ownership of your life, your decisions, and your actions.

Consider a mentor who, instead of simply solving your problems for you, guides you towards finding your own solutions.

Or a friend who, in the face of adversity, reminds you of your power to shape your response. These are people who understand the essence of personal empowerment.

They don’t allow you to blame circumstances or other people for your shortcomings.

Instead, they encourage you to focus on what you can control – your attitudes, actions and responses. They see the potential in you and urge you to see it too.

This might seem tough at times, but it’s a critical aspect of personal growth. 

As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.” 

3) They promote self-awareness and personal growth

Self-awareness is a cornerstone of personal development, and people who inspire this in us are invaluable. These people don’t shy away from holding up a mirror to our lives, helping us see our strengths, weaknesses, fears, and desires more clearly.

Consider a companion who doesn’t hesitate to point out your blind spots but does so with kindness and respect.

These are the people who gently nudge you to confront your fears, challenge your limiting beliefs, and embrace change.

They encourage you to do the inner work necessary for growth, even when it’s uncomfortable or challenging. Their support aids you in developing a deep understanding of yourself and your potential.

For further exploration into this concept, you might find my video on “The Illusion of Happiness” insightful.

In it, I go into how chasing happiness can often lead us astray, while embracing life’s challenges, fostering meaningful relationships, and staying true to oneself can bring about true contentment.

YouTube video

In essence, someone who promotes self-awareness in your life is undoubtedly helping to bring out the best in you.

They’re not only enhancing your relationship with them but also your relationship with yourself.

4) They challenge the status quo

We often find comfort in the familiar, adhering to established norms and routines. However, those who truly bring out the best in us are the ones who encourage us to question these norms and step outside our comfort zones.

These people aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo or confront power hierarchies. They inspire you to question, explore, and redefine your beliefs.

They aren’t interested in maintaining an imbalance of power or perpetuating societal expectations that limit your potential.

It can be disconcerting at first – we’re all somewhat resistant to change. But it’s through this discomfort that growth happens. 

Life isn’t about passively accepting what’s given to us. It’s about actively shaping our experiences based on our values and aspirations.

Those who encourage this mindset in you are indeed bringing out your best – they’re pushing you to become a more engaged, conscious, and authentic person.

5) They foster genuine connections and community

At our core, we are social beings craving connection. Those who bring out the best in us understand this fundamental human need and help us foster meaningful relationships and build supportive communities.

These people are not solely interested in their personal relationship with you. They also encourage you to connect deeply with others, fostering a sense of belonging and shared experiences.

It’s through these connections that we find the courage to pursue our dreams, the resilience to overcome challenges, and the joy of shared experiences.

Such people understand that success isn’t just about personal achievement but also about the strength and support of the community around us.

They know that each person’s success contributes to the overall health and prosperity of the community.

This is directly aligned with my belief in the profound importance of supportive communities and authentic relationships.

In this context, I’d like to share a video where I dive into the science behind why breakups hurt so intensely and offer a path toward healing.

It’s a raw exploration of human connection, loss and recovery that underscores the importance of fostering genuine connections in our lives.

YouTube video

6) They celebrate your failures

In a society that often stigmatizes failure, it can be quite surprising to find people who not only accept your failures but celebrate them.

These are the people who understand the inherent value of mistakes and setbacks in our journey of personal growth.

Think about a friend or mentor who, instead of consoling you when you fail, congratulates you. They see your failure not as a dead-end but as an opportunity for learning and growth.

They help you understand that every setback contains within it the seeds of creative possibility.

Their approach might seem unconventional, but it’s in line with my belief in the transformative power of resilience and personal responsibility.

After all, it’s not our successes but our failures that provide us with the most profound lessons and opportunities for growth.

7) They align with your core values

One critical sign that someone is bringing out the best in you is an alignment with your core values. These people not only respect your personal values but also share and encourage them.

This might be a friend who shares your commitment to conscious consumerism, an investment partner who shares your vision for a more equitable economy, or a mentor who embodies your ethos of mutual respect and empathy.

Such people help you to live in alignment with your deeply held values. They support you in making financial, personal, and professional decisions that reflect these values.

They understand that prosperity isn’t just about wealth accumulation but is also about purpose, creativity, and ethical participation in the economy.

8) They believe in your potential

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, people who bring out the best in us are those who genuinely believe in our potential. They see beyond our current capabilities and envision what we could become.

These are the people who see your potential even when you fail to recognize it yourself. They believe not only in what you’ve achieved but also in what you’re capable of achieving.

They encourage you to reach for the stars, to strive for excellence, and push beyond your comfort zone.

Your success does not threaten them; instead, they celebrate it. They offer constructive criticism when needed but also applaud your achievements.

Having someone believe in you can be incredibly empowering. It sparks motivation, boosts confidence, and fosters resilience.

Their belief in your potential propels you to transform that potential into reality – thereby helping to bring out the best version of yourself.

In conclusion, recognizing the people who bring out the best in us and nurturing those relationships can be one of the most rewarding and transformative experiences in our life journey.

As we strive to become the best versions of ourselves, let’s express our gratitude to these individuals and continue to foster these enriching relationships.