Should We Forget Old Friends as We Rise in Career and Fame?

As we climb the ladder of success, are we unknowingly stepping over the very friendships that once lifted us in our hardest times?

Success can be intoxicating. As we grow professionally and begin to carve out a name for ourselves, the pull of ambition often leads us to surround ourselves with people who are smarter, more successful, and more inspiring. After all, it is said that you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.

Networking with accomplished individuals can undoubtedly fuel our growth, expand our horizons, and help us achieve our goals.

But does climbing the ladder of success mean we leave behind the old friends who may not have kept pace with our professional journey?

This question strikes at the core of who we are as human beings. The answer lies not just in logic but in emotion and values. Should we forget those who once laughed with us during our moments of joy and stood by us during our struggles, simply because they haven’t “made it” in the way we perceive success?

The Value of Old Friends

Old friends are more than just a chapter of our past; they are a part of the foundation upon which our identity stands. These are the people who knew us before we achieved accolades or climbed corporate ladders. They saw us at our most unguarded moments and accepted us for who we were, not for what we could offer.

There’s an irreplaceable comfort in old friendships. They remind us of our roots, our struggles, and our growth. They remind us of the times we shared simple joys without any pretense of status or accomplishment. Losing touch with old friends isn’t just a loss of connection; it’s a loss of a part of ourselves.

The Dilemma of Growth

As we grow, it is natural to gravitate toward individuals who challenge and inspire us. Spending time with smarter, more accomplished people can be a powerful catalyst for personal and professional development. There’s nothing wrong with that. Growth, after all, often requires stepping out of our comfort zones and seeking new perspectives.

But growth doesn’t have to come at the cost of abandoning those who matter. The dilemma arises when we feel that old friends are no longer “relevant” to our current lives. This mindset, though unintentional, can be a reflection of arrogance or a skewed understanding of success.

Success isn’t just about accomplishments; it’s also about the quality of our relationships and the depth of our connections.

A Balancing Act

The key lies in balance. It’s entirely possible to expand your network, surround yourself with high achievers, and still nurture your old friendships. Prioritizing one doesn’t have to mean neglecting the other. Here are a few ways to achieve this balance:

1. Be Intentional: Schedule time for your old friends. It doesn’t have to be frequent or grand; even a quick call, a coffee meet-up, or a heartfelt text can go a long way.
2. Value Depth Over Status: Remember that friendship isn’t a transaction. Old friends bring emotional depth and authenticity that new connections might lack, regardless of their professional standing.
3. Be Present: When you spend time with your old friends, be fully present. Listen, share, and engage without the filter of hierarchy or success.
4. Don’t Judge: Avoid comparing your journey to theirs. Everyone’s path is unique, and success is subjective. Celebrate their victories, no matter how small they may seem in comparison to yours.

The Richness of a Balanced Life

True success is a harmonious blend of ambition and gratitude, growth and grounding, striving and cherishing. Spending time with smarter people will elevate your mind, but spending time with old friends will elevate your soul. Both are essential for a fulfilling life.

So, should you forget old friends as you rise in career and fame? The answer is a resounding no. Instead, embrace the duality of life. Grow with the new but cherish the old. Build relationships that inspire you while preserving those that remind you of who you are. Because in the end, success isn’t just about what you achieve; it’s about the connections you nurture along the way.