What is Social Circle Auditing? (And How It Can Help You Overcome Artist Burnout)

"You Are the Average of the Five People You Spend the Most Time With"

Ever heard that quote?

It’s by Jim Rohn, a motivational speaker.

Now I have reservations about generic self-help jargon, but this one hit me hard the first time I thought  about it.

If it was true—and it often felt like it—then the people we hang out with aren’t just 'friends' or 'colleagues'; they’re part of the equation shaping who we become.

For artists especially, this can be a game-changer. Who we spend time with doesn’t just affect our mood; it influences how we think, what we create, and even how far we go in our careers.

That’s where ‘social-circle auditing’ comes in.

What Is Social-Circle Auditing?

Traditionally, "social auditing" refers to a formal review of an organization's endeavors, procedures, and code of conduct regarding social responsibility and its impact on society. (Investopedia)

When I first heard about it, it sounded ridiculous—even a little offensive.

What, am I supposed to "rate" my friends like they’re contestants on a reality show? The idea of being on the other side of that lens felt petrifying.

But then I started noticing some patterns.

Remember the last time you ran into that one friend and left feeling totally drained? Or even worse about yourself when you were having a tough day anyway–without really knowing why?

In contrast, think of the time you ran into that other friend and found yourself loving life, believing you were worthy of the best things happening to you and that you 'got this'.

Been there? Yeah, me too.

That’s when it clicked: who we spend time with actually shapes so much of how we feel, think, and create.

A Verified Definition

Social auditing involves examining your relationships to assess how they affect your well-being, creativity, and growth. According to the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), social auditing is a "process that enables an organization to assess and demonstrate its social, economic, and environmental benefits and limitations." While traditionally applied to organizations, the principles of evaluating impact and accountability translate beautifully to personal relationships.

A Breakdown of Social-Circle Auditing

Okay, let’s break this down: social-circle auditing is just about taking a moment to think about the people you spend time with.

Think of it as an intentional review of your relationships to understand how they influence your mental and emotional well-being—and, by extension, your creative growth.

Are they lifting you up?

Challenging you in a good way?

Or dragging you down without you even realizing it?

It’s not so much about judging or cutting people off for every little thing, but about understanding who’s helping you grow and who might be holding you back.

Why It Matters

The people we surround ourselves with play a massive role in shaping our creativity, mindset, and success.

Positive interactions inspire motivation, while negative influences can drain our energy.

Auditing your social circle means evaluating these relationships to foster a supportive and inspiring environment. Let’s break down both the benefits and risks of doing this, so you can find a balance that works for you.

The Benefits of Auditing Your Social Circle

1. Boosting Creativity Studies show that being around supportive and constructive people helps us think more creatively. They push us to refine our ideas and look at things in new ways (Amabile et al., 1990).
   
   
2. Protecting Mental Energy Unhealthy relationships—those that consistently bring you down—can sap your energy and make it harder to take creative risks (Smith, 2019). Setting boundaries here can make a world of difference.
   
   
3. Building Momentum Like-minded people with similar goals can encourage you to stay consistent and motivated. Peer accountability can be a great way to move through creative blocks or setbacks (Smith, 2019).
   
   

The Risks of Overdoing It

Social Auditing does come with its caveats. The last thing we want to do is go on a canceling spree in the name of self-realization. Like most things human, the art is in the nuance. Some traps you don't want to fall for are 👇

1. Creating an Echo Chamber If you only hang out with people who think like you, you might miss out on ideas and perspectives that challenge your assumptions. Creativity thrives on diversity (Glăveanu, 2010).
   
   
2. Confusing Disagreement with Negativity Not everyone who challenges you is toxic. Sometimes, disagreements—when handled respectfully—help you grow and see things differently (Glăveanu, 2010).
   
   
3. Losing Authenticity If you’re too focused on "useful" relationships, you risk losing the richness of genuine human connection. Not every friendship has to be about growth; some are just about being there for each other (Amabile et al., 1990).
   
   

Finding a Healthy Balance

Here are some pointers on how to do it right:

1. 'Audit' With Kindness Instead of labeling people as "good" or "bad," think about how they make you feel and whether they add value to your life. Reflect before making drastic changes.
   
   
2. Welcome Different Opinions A friend who respectfully disagrees with you can help you grow. Differences spark creativity and broaden your perspective (Glăveanu, 2010).
   
   
3. Set Boundaries Protect your mental space without cutting people off completely. It’s okay to limit interactions with draining individuals while maintaining a cordial relationship.
   
   
4. Embrace Diversity A mix of backgrounds, cultures, and viewpoints in your social circle can enrich your work and life. Creativity often comes from blending different ideas (Smith, 2019).
   
   

Ancient Wisdom and Social Circle Auditing: The Guru-Shiksha Parampara

Social circle auditing may seem like a modern concept, but the underlying principles have not gone unmentioned in ancient traditions.

I'll use the Guru-Shiksha Parampara in India (despite all the controversy surrounding it). Historically, this traditional system of teaching emphasized a deeply personal relationship between a guru (teacher) and their shishya (student).

The idea wasn’t just about passing on knowledge but also the energy shared between the guru and their students. (Jazz musicians often refer to it as the "vibe": street-talk for 'vibrations').

Adds up. 

The influence of the guru is said to extend beyond lessons, shaping the students’ character, values, and even their creative mindset. A more nuanced and complex (and sometimes problematic) eastern version of the modern-day mentor.

Back in the day, students who studied under the same guru were known as 'guru-bhai' or brothers in learning.

This bond often created a close-knit community where shared values and mutual inspiration thrived. The guru’s influence—their energy and approach to life—played a significant role in the success and integrity of this lineage. It was more than just transactional, linear education.

Now I can only reiterate, that traditional South Asian education has grown increasingly debatable in a contemporary context. But I feel like there's a baby to save here from all the dirty bathwater it’s been dunked in. 

The List

We’ve talked about the benefits of surrounding yourself with inspiring people and the risks of isolating yourself in an echo chamber. Now, let’s break it down even further with two lists: the types of people you might want to keep at arm’s length and the ones you should seek out more often.

People to Keep at Arm’s Length

1. Chronic Complainers: People who always focus on the negative can sap your energy and creativity.
   
   
• Why: They drain your enthusiasm and make it harder to stay positive or motivated.

1. Overly Critical Individuals: Constructive feedback is great, but constant criticism without support can be demotivating.
   
   
• Why: They undermine your confidence and create self-doubt.

1. Drama Magnets: Those who create or thrive on chaos can distract you from your goals.
   
   
• Why: They pull your focus away from meaningful work and disrupt your peace of mind.

1. Envious Friends: People who can’t celebrate your success and may subtly discourage you.
   
   
• Why: Their envy can lead to passive-aggressive behavior or sabotage.

1. Unreliable Partners: Those who consistently fail to follow through can disrupt your momentum.
   
   
• Why: They add unnecessary stress and make collaboration frustrating.

People to Engage With More

1. Supportive Cheerleaders: Friends who genuinely root for your success and celebrate your wins.
   
   
• Why: They boost your confidence and make you feel valued.

1. Constructive Critics: Those who offer honest feedback in a way that helps you grow.
   
   
• Why: Their input helps you improve while maintaining a positive outlook.

1. Innovative Thinkers: People who inspire you with fresh ideas and perspectives.
   
   
• Why: They stimulate your creativity and push you to explore new directions.

1. Reliable Collaborators: Peers who are dependable and share your enthusiasm for work.
   
   
• Why: They make teamwork smooth and productive.

1. Mentors and Guides: Those with more experience who can offer qualified advice and encouragement.
   
   
• Why: They provide insights and support that accelerate your growth.

Wrapping It Up

Auditing your social circle isn’t about being harsh or judgmental; it’s about creating an environment that nurtures your growth and well-being.

Artists, especially, draw so much inspiration from the people around them. By striking the right balance—embracing diversity, setting boundaries, and welcoming constructive challenges—you can build a foundation for both personal fulfillment and a sustainable creative career.

After all, the best art often comes from a mix of challenge and support. 

Taking stock of our social circle can feel like a big task, especially if we’re used to just letting relationships evolve naturally.

But think about it this way: if you’re trying to grow a garden, you wouldn’t let weeds take over or leave plants that drain the soil of nutrients without giving anything back. Similarly, your social environment should nurture, replenish and uplift you, not hold you back.

That doesn’t mean cutting people off at the first sign of trouble or obsessing over everyone’s flaws. Instead, it’s about understanding how different relationships affect your mindset and creativity—and taking small, thoughtful steps to curate a circle that aligns with your goals in life.

Hope that helps!

References

1. Rohn, J. (n.d.). "You Are the Average of the Five People You Spend the Most Time With."
2. Investopedia. (n.d.). Definition of Social Auditing. Retrieved from https://www.investopedia.com.
3. Amabile, T. M., et al. (1990). "Motivating Creativity in Organizations: On Doing What You Love and Loving What You Do." Harvard Business School.
4. Smith, J. (2019). "The Influence of Relationships on Mental Energy and Creative Risks." Sage Journals.
5. Glăveanu, V. P. (2010). "Creativity and Cultural Diversity: A Social Psychological Perspective." Sage Journals.
6. International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED). "Definition and Scope of Social Auditing."