How Do I Accelerate My Growth in 2026? (Chapter 5: Collect Awesome People) 🤝

“Walk with the wise and become wise.” – Proverbs 13:20 

Happy Friday, Brew Nation! 

It’s the day after Christmas. The wrapping paper is cleared, the leftovers are in the fridge, and we are in that “sacred week” of transition. Last week, we talked about writing the Scary Book and setting SMAHT goals. But here is a truth many leaders miss: You cannot achieve uncommon goals with a common circle. 

Today, we dive into Chapter 5: Collect Awesome People. 

The Quality of Your Feedback 

The scariest advice I received at a conference recently was a call to audit my circle. Do you have mentors who encourage you and call you to a higher place? Do you have people who actively support you through both positive and constructive feedback? 

If you don’t, you need to go out and “collect” them. 

Awesome people take many forms. For me, it starts with my wife of nearly 32 years—she is my primary “awesome person” who makes me better every day. But as a leader, you must go further. You need a collection of mentors, friends, and co-workers who raise your average. 

The 2×2 Influence Matrix 

Reflecting upon what the presenter said about collecting awesome people, I designed a way to categorize the people in our circle of influence. It isn’t about judging people—it’s about understanding the role they play in your growth. 

The Goal: The more intentionally we surround ourselves with Multipliers—and the more we become Multipliers for others—the more fruit our lives produce. 

Getting Into the “Right Rooms” 

In Chris Robinson’s great new book, From Drift to Drive (you can see my interview with him here), he speaks about finding “The Right Rooms.” Chris talks about finding rooms with “bigger windows”—places where people are generous with their insights and experience. If you are the smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room. You need to find rooms filled with Refiners who will challenge your status quo and Multipliers who see a version of you that you haven’t even met yet. 

Your 2026 Pruning and Planting 

As we prepare to flip the calendar, it is time for some “Relentless Reflection” on your circle: 

1. Identify your Multipliers: Who are the 2-3 people you need to pour into and stay connected with this year? 
2. Evaluate your Drainers: Is there anyone in your circle who consistently saps your energy? It may be time for some “purposeful pruning.” 
3. Find a New Room: What is one “room” (a Mastermind, a new board, a community) you can join in 2026 that has bigger windows? 

“Bad company corrupts good character.” – 1 Corinthians 15:33 

Quote of the Week 

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” – Jim Rohn 

Being effective as a leader means choosing people over proximity. It’s about reflecting on who is sharpening you, learning from those who have gone before, and courageously adjusting your circle in pursuit of uncommon growth. 

Email me at coachjohngallagher@gmail.com with the subject line “CIRCLE” and tell me who one of your “Multipliers” is and why they make you better! 

What you need to do:

Your Call to Action: Design Your Legacy 

Who is one “Awesome Person” you’ve been meaning to connect with? Reach out to them today. Don’t wait for 2026 to start. 

It’s an honor to be your trusted Friday Coffee Guy. Each week, I bring what I’m learning and living in the trenches of leadership. If this edition challenged or encouraged you, share it with someone who leads, stays faithful, or learns alongside you, then click subscribe. To learn more about how we can work together on your growth journey, visit my website at www.coachjohngallagher.com. Let’s grow Brew Nation together!  

Until next time—stay focused, stay faithful, and keep growing, Champions!  💪