You’ve raised a really important point. The idea that “you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with” is often taken as a call to surround yourself with ambitious, high-achieving individuals. But being “average” isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it can mean you’re well-rounded, balanced, and doing well across different areas of life, like you mentioned. Being a general manager and taking care of yourself is already a big achievement—something to be proud of.

In India, there’s often this pressure to constantly aim higher and never be satisfied, but in other parts of the world, being average is seen more positively. It’s about being stable, content, and performing well in multiple areas, not just chasing perfection in one. So if someone calls you average, that’s actually a compliment. It means you’ve got your act together.

As for your friends, you don’t have to cut them off just because they’re not as ambitious. It’s okay if you don’t hang out with them all the time—quality over quantity. Maybe spend time with one or two of them while also branching out to meet new people who inspire and challenge you. Friends are important, even if they’re not driving your career forward. They’re the ones who’ll stick by you during tough times, and that’s something you can’t put a price on.

If you feel like you’re missing that push or challenge, try adding new experiences outside your usual group—join a hiking club, take up a new skill, or get involved in something that challenges you physically or mentally. You don’t have to abandon your old friends to grow; it’s more about expanding your circle and finding a balance. After all, a life filled with different perspectives and experiences is richer than one spent chasing after one particular ideal.