Choose Greatness, Choose Your Circle

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it truly means to be great. We live in a world that often defines greatness by external measures: titles, accolades, wealth, influence. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that to be great, we must associate with those who are already at the top. The high achievers. The influencers. The ones society deems "successful."

But the more I grow, the more I realize:

Greatness isn’t about proximity to success. It’s about alignment with purpose.

Kraków old square

Who You Surround Yourself With Matters

The people we choose to spend our time with shape our thoughts, our energy, and ultimately, our direction. This doesn’t mean we have to surround ourselves with the richest, the smartest, or the most well-known people. It means we must choose those whose values echo our own, whose presence challenges us to be better in ways that feel true, and whose energy resonates with the life we're building not the life we’re trying to imitate.

There’s a saying that goes:
“Tell me who your friends are, and I will tell you who you are.”

It’s simple, but powerful. And it holds so much truth.
Your circle influences you more than you realize it. Your mindset, your habits, your courage, even your capacity to dream.
You grow in the direction of those you surround yourself with.

There’s a difference between impressing people and connecting with people.

And often, the greatest moments of growth happen not when we chase impressive company, but when we settle into authentic community.

Greatness Is Not Imitation

It’s tempting to assume that if we want to be great, we must follow those who have “made it.” But greatness doesn’t always come from climbing someone else’s ladder. Sometimes, it’s found in building your own, step by step, with those who understand where you’ve come from and where your heart wants to go.

When we surround ourselves with people who live with honesty, humility, and heart people who may not be in the spotlight but who live their lives with quiet integrity we choose a different kind of greatness. A deeper one. A grounded one.

The Polish Way of Choosing People

Living between two cultures Filipino and Polish has opened my eyes to how different cultures shape the way we choose our circles.

Filipinos are known for their warmth and hospitality. We easily welcome people into our homes and into our hearts. Friendship is often given freely, and we tend to trust first, love openly, and accept others without hesitation.

But the Polish culture has taught me something different something powerful.

Polish people are among the friendliest and most hospitable people I know. They’ll share a warm meal with you, offer a helping hand, and treat you like family once you’ve earned a place in their world. But when it comes to choosing their close friends or inner circle, they are incredibly discerning.

Trust is not freely given in Polish culture it is earned. And once you earn it, it’s deep and unwavering. They don’t rush relationships. They observe. They protect their space. They wait to see who you truly are not the version you show, but the one you live.

What I admire is how the Polish people seem to have mastered the art of choosing who truly belongs in their circle. Not out of coldness, but out of care. Not from exclusion, but from intention. Once you’re in, they’ll stand by you, wholeheartedly.

That contrast between my Filipino openness and Polish discernment has helped me redefine how I choose my own circle. I've learned to carry both values: to lead with kindness, but also with clarity.

Energy Doesn’t Lie

You’ll feel it when you’re around the right people.

Not the most successful by society’s standards, but the most in tune with who you are becoming. These are the people who:

• Challenge you to grow without tearing you down.

• Accept your current state but won’t let you settle there.

• Speak truth into your life, even when it’s uncomfortable.

• Cheer for you not because you’re impressive, but because you’re authentic.

This is the kind of circle that nourishes greatness from the inside out.

The Takeaway: Choose Your Circle With Intention

Being intentional about your circle isn’t about excluding people—it’s about honoring your path. It’s about knowing that not everyone is meant to walk every part of the journey with you. Some are for a season. Some are for a lifetime. And some, though they may seem "ideal" from the outside, are not meant for your soul.

So today, if you’re reflecting on your circle, ask yourself:

• Do these people help me align with my values?

• Do I feel seen, heard, and encouraged to grow?

• Do they hold space for the version of me I am now and the one I am becoming?

If yes, then you are already in the presence of greatness. Not because of who they are in society, but because of who they are in your life.

Choose greatness. Choose your circle.

Because your circle can either drain you or help you rise.

You choose!

Cheers!

xo,

Ai