Surround Yourself With Good People — Why Your Circle Matters More Than You Think
When I speak in schools across the country, one of the biggest challenges I see teens struggling with is the influence of their friends. Most young people don’t realize how much their environment shapes them until they’re already caught up in drama, pressure, or relationships that pull them in the wrong direction.
Episode 3 of Attitude Is Everything is all about helping teens understand a simple truth:
Who you surround yourself with determines who you become.
This isn’t just something I teach — it’s something I lived.
My Story: Growing Up as the Underdog
I grew up on a tiny island in Alaska — 5’8″, long shot, underdog, counted out more times than I can remember. I didn’t have the perfect environment or a built-in support system. What changed everything for me wasn’t luck. It wasn’t talent.
It was people.
At every turning point in my life, someone believed in me. Someone encouraged me. Someone challenged me to think bigger.
On the flipside, I also had people who doubted me, talked down to me, and told me what I “couldn’t” do.
The moment I started choosing better people — mentors, teammates, friends who pushed me to show up as my best self — my life completely changed.
That’s what this episode is about.
What I Want Teens to Understand
Teens often underestimate how powerful their circle is. They assume:
“I can handle it.”
“I’m not influenced by anyone.”
“These are just my friends — it’s not a big deal.”
But the truth?
Your circle impacts your confidence, your decisions, your habits, and your identity.
In Episode 3, we dig into:
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How to spot negative influences
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Why certain friendships drain your energy
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What real support looks like
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How to build a “winner’s circle”
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Why choosing the right people is one of the smartest decisions a teen can make
And most importantly — teens learn that they have the power to choose.
The Real Conversation Behind This Episode
Here’s what I want every teen to walk away with:
You deserve to be around people who make you better.
People who encourage you.
People who tell you the truth.
People who challenge you to grow.
People who believe in your potential — even on days you don’t see it yourself.
This episode isn’t about telling teens who they can or can’t hang out with.
It’s about giving them clarity and confidence so they can make healthier decisions for themselves.
Why This Matters for Parents & Schools
In my work with TAAP and through speaking across the country, I’ve seen how much a teen’s environment can change the direction of their life.
When teens understand how to choose their circle wisely, they:
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Build more confidence
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Avoid unnecessary drama
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Make better decisions
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Strengthen their identity
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Develop healthier boundaries
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Feel more supported and understood
This episode is a tool — not just for teens, but for families, schools, and mentors who want to help them grow.
⭐ Episode Links
Keep this section exactly the same across all episodes:
🎬 IMDb Episode Page:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt39115016/fullcredits/?ref_=tt_cst_sm
▶️ YouTube Episode:
https://youtu.be/z5UKAkBnv6A
📝 TAAP Episode Blog Page:
https://theattitudeadvantage.com/all-posts/attitude-is-everything-with-jesse-lebeau-surround-yourself-with-good-people/
🏠 TAAP Homepage:
https://theattitudeadvantage.com
🏠 Jesse LeBeau Homepage:
https://www.jesselebeau.com
