Episode 07: How to Audit Your Inner Circle in 5 Steps (Are They Helping or Hurting You)

There is a saying, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” It is not just a motivational quote; it’s math. Your mindset, income, habits, and even your happiness are being shaped daily by the people closest to you. In this episode, Cody walks you through a simple five-step process to audit your inner circle. You will discover how to identify who is lifting you higher, who’s holding you back, and how to create the kind of relationships that reflect your future, not your past. Listen and enjoy!You'll Learn How To:Identify people who are influencing you and are truly helping youUpgrade your inner circle without guilt, drama, or burning bridgesUse the R.I.S.E. filter (Reflective, Inspiring, Supportive, Evolving) to evaluate relationshipsSpot red flags in toxic relationships that hold you backSet healthy boundaries and replace draining connections with growth-driven onesWhat You'll Learn in This Episode:(00:45) Your mindset, income, habits, and happiness are shaped daily by your inner circle(01:50) The five-step process to audit your inner circle(01:55) Step 1: List your core relationships (family, friends, mentors, coworkers)(03:07) The R.I.S.E. filter: Reflective, Inspiring, Supportive, Evolving(03:42) Reflective: Do the people you hang out with think deeply?(04:38) Why reflection is the key to true wisdom(05:20) Inspiring vs. draining relationships(05:40) Supportive: Do they root for you and your success even if it doesn't benefit them?(06:11) The “blue crab” analogy of people who pull you back down(06:40) Evolving: Are they actively evolving, too?(07:56) Red flags that reveal limiting relationships(09:15) Feeling drained or small? That’s a signal(10:03) How dream-killers disguise themselves as advice(10:36) More red flags: One-sided relationship and victim mindset(12:12) Step 4: The freedom question that creates clarity(13:02) How limiting time with others can help them too(13:35) Step 5: Baby steps—how to shift without ghosting(14:09) The importance of boundaries and crucial conversations(14:31) Replacing toxic time with books, podcasts, masterminds, and growth groups(15:35) Why your future depends on upgrading your circleWho This Episode is For:Entrepreneurs who feel their circle is holding them backLeaders who want to surround themselves with growth-driven peersHigh achievers looking for accountability and inspirationAnyone ready to replace toxic relationships with empowering onesWhy You Should Listen:If you’ve ever felt drained, stuck, or uninspired after spending time with certain people, this episode will give you the clarity and tools to upgrade your circle without guilt, drama, or burning bridges.Follow Cody Hofhine for tools, resources, and support on your journey:Website: https://codyhofhine.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codyhofhine/