Motivational Speaker Jim Rohn once said, "You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with."

It may be time to take stock of your current social circle. Take a moment now and list the 5-10 people you see most. Are these people go-getters who are constantly walking the path of personal development? Do they inspire you to be your best self and serve as a living example of the characteristics you're working to exhibit? Do they provide support and encouragement for your journey?

Or have they settled for mediocrity in their own lives? When you share your dreams and goals, do they mock you or cause you to doubt your ability to grow? Do your successes threaten their concept of you and create uneasiness in the relationship? Spending time with negative, frightened people drags you down. You're likely battling enough self-doubt of your own. Why add to with the people who surround you?

If most of your friends, coworkers, colleagues, employees or family fall into the latter category, it's time to do some cleanup. To be clear, this doesn't mean to tell your dear old granny to take a hike just because she's never been to a Tony Robbins seminar. There's a place in your life for most family and friends (unless your relationship has become toxic and is detrimental to your future).

How?

When you want to lose weight, experts recommend that instead of cutting "bad" foods out of your diet, you simply increase the amount of "good" foods you consume. Approach your social circle the same way. How? Try these for starters:

1. Join professional organizations where you'll find like-minded people.
2. Go to networking events where you can develop relationships with other entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses.
3. Find a mentor who's been where you are and knows how to get where you want to be.
4. Hire a coach who can help you with the skills to work with the people in your life - communication is key.
5. Join a Mastermind group.

I love the idea of a mastermind group. It's a safe and nurturing environment to test ideas, improve your business, process personal issues, and learn from others. You might even develop some friendships outside the group which allow you to grow even more.

There's a place in your life for people not as committed to personal growth as you. They just don't belong in your head. Safeguard yourself from the negative types by following three easy steps:

1) Don't ask for advice from people who aren't living the life you want, unless you want to spin it as "What not to do".

2) Don't take it personally if they bash your ideas or your actions. It's uncomfortable for those around you when you change, especially if they've never done it themselves.

3) Keep them in their rightful place. They may be amazing to go to the movies with. Just keep them out of your business and self-improvement world.

You'll achieve your goals much faster when you surround yourself with the people who are where you want to be, or already on the path walking right alongside you.