Picking Social Influences That Are Positive

Ever notice how your habits seem to reflect the people around you? Maybe you’ve started exercising more because your neighbor walks every morning, or skipped dessert because your friend is watching their sugar. Turns out, that’s more than coincidence—it’s science.

According to a study by the University of Georgia, self-control is contagious. Researchers found that just thinking about someone with strong self-discipline can actually boost your own ability to resist temptation or stick to a goal. It’s the first study to show that self-control spreads through social and work groups—like a positive version of peer pressure.

The effect was so strong that volunteers in the study changed their behavior just by seeing a name associated with good or bad self-control flashed on a screen. In other words, we’re constantly influenced by the people we surround ourselves with—even when we’re not aware of it.

So what does that mean for your daily life?

It means your social environment matters, especially when it comes to forming habits or making life changes. You’re more likely to lose weight if your friends are working toward the same goal. You’re more likely to keep a budget if someone close to you is financially focused. And you’re more likely to stick with a workout routine or finish a big project if you admire someone who consistently shows dedication.

The good news? You can be that person, too.

Psychologists say that by practicing self-control—whether it’s sticking to an exercise plan, resisting impulse buys, or meeting deadlines—you’re not just improving your own life. You’re setting an example that can inspire the people around you to do the same.

But the reverse is true, too. Just as good habits can spread, so can bad ones. If you’re regularly exposed to people with poor self-control, you may start to adopt those behaviors. That can include things like smoking, skipping exercise, overspending, or overeating. Because humans are naturally social creatures, we tend to mirror the actions of those in our close circle—even when we don’t mean to.

Still, that doesn’t mean you need to ditch friends who aren’t perfect. You’re still responsible for your own choices, and blaming someone else for a second slice of cake won’t cut it. But you can choose who you admire, who you think about when you’re trying to do better, and who you want to model your behavior after.

Even if you don’t have a role model in your day-to-day life, simply reflecting on someone with strong self-discipline—whether it’s a friend, a coworker, or a historical figure—can inspire you to tap into your own willpower.

So who will influence you in a positive way? Pick someone whose habits you respect and let their example guide you. And remember, someone might be watching you the same way—so don’t underestimate the quiet power of setting a good example.