The concept of your circle of influence is based on a Jim Rohn’s concept that you are the sum of the 5 people you spend the most time with. Jim Rohn was an entrepreneur, businessman, and motivational speaker. He believed that while you are shaped by many life experiences, it is your five primary social interactions that frame you. Moreover, this makes sense. If your best friend has a good or bad habit, you are more likely to start that habit as well. It is simply exposure. More recent studies have shown that your primary influences include more than these five people. However, the concept stays generally the same. You are shaped by the primary people in your life.