The people you surround yourself with can support you and your dreams. They can also drive you off the rails.

I’m not talking about casual friends, acquaintances, or work colleagues with whom you share less consequential moments. Instead, it’s those folks you count among your inner circle that matter the most.

Not everyone deserves your time, energy, and affection. If someone’s not good for you or if you don’t feel good when you’re around them, it’s okay to let them go.

Where you’ll be in five years depends a lot on who your closest friends are. Here’s how you know you have some good people around you:

They share your values.

They make you want to be a better person.

Some of them share your goals.

They encourage you.

They let you know if you’re making a mistake.

They celebrate your successes, not resent you for them.

They reciprocate what you give.