When wealth comes knocking at your door, it can be tempting to focus solely on the monetary aspects of success. However, the truth is that your journey to prosperity is significantly influenced by the people who accompany you along the way. From loyal supporters who cheer you on during your triumphs to those who challenge you to grow, every individual shapes your experience in unique ways. In this article, we’ll explore the 15 types of people you should remember when you get rich. By recognizing their roles in your life, you can cultivate meaningful relationships that enhance your success and foster a sense of fulfillment beyond just financial gain.
1. The People Who Helped You in Tough Times
There will be times in your life when the odds seem stacked against you, when every plan you’ve made begins to unravel, and when the weight of the world feels unbearable. In those moments, the people who show up for you—without being asked, without any expectation of reward—become more than just friends or family. They become lifelines. These are the individuals who don’t hesitate to extend a hand when they see you drowning. Their presence and their actions will be the kind of support that changes the trajectory of your life.
It’s easy for people to be there for you when things are going well, but true character reveals itself when you’re in the trenches. Perhaps they were there during financial hardship, offering advice, a loan, or simply a sympathetic ear when you felt hopeless. Maybe they showed up in your personal struggles, standing by you when others turned away, proving that loyalty isn’t conditional. These people didn’t just stand by your side because it was convenient for them; they showed up because they genuinely cared.
In times of crisis, their support isn’t just practical. It’s emotional. They remind you of your worth, they help you see beyond your current challenges, and they give you the strength to continue. They don’t just offer words of comfort; they take action—whether it’s taking on some of your burdens, offering resources, or simply showing you that you’re not alone in your battle. When you find success, these are the people you must remember. Their role in your journey is irreplaceable, and no amount of wealth can repay the emotional investment they made in you.
As you rise, it’s essential to keep these people in your life. They helped you when you had nothing, and they continue to root for your success because they genuinely care. The bond you share with these individuals transcends superficial exchanges; it’s built on deep trust, mutual respect, and shared experiences. Whether it’s an old friend who helped you move when you couldn’t afford professional movers or a mentor who took time to coach you without expecting compensation, their value will always exceed any material gains. In the moments of celebration, it’s these people who deserve to stand by your side, as they have been there since the start of your journey.
2. The People Who Ignored You During Tough Times
There are individuals in your life who claim to be friends or supporters, but when life takes a turn for the worse, they fail to show up. This can be one of the most painful realizations. When you’re facing difficult times, whether it’s personal, financial, or emotional, there’s a deep desire for solidarity. The people who promise to support you, who tell you they’ll always be there, only to disappear when things get hard, leave behind a sense of betrayal that can sting for years.
These individuals are often the ones who show up when the sun is shining. They’re there to celebrate your successes, enjoy the perks of your good fortune, and share in your victories. However, when you hit a bump in the road, their absence speaks louder than any words of encouragement they may have offered before. Perhaps you reached out to them for help, only to be met with silence. Maybe they were aware of your struggles, but they chose to act as if nothing was wrong. This lack of support at a critical time can reveal a lot about their true character.
What’s most difficult about these people is that they often do not seem to understand the weight of their absence. They might not see that their failure to show up for you when you needed them most leaves a void that no amount of success can fill. However, as painful as it is, their absence becomes a profound lesson. It teaches you the importance of self-reliance and the fact that not everyone who claims to be a friend or supporter truly is. Their departure can act as a springboard for growth, as it forces you to confront reality and learn how to cope on your own.
The lesson here is not to dwell on the disappointment they’ve caused but to focus on what you’ve learned. Their absence has taught you that you cannot rely on others for your own emotional survival. It has also highlighted the importance of knowing who will truly be there for you when times get tough, so that in the future, you can focus on relationships built on genuine, unconditional loyalty.
3. The People Who Put You in Tough Times
Some people come into your life with the sole purpose of testing your strength. They may not be directly responsible for the hardships you face, but they play a pivotal role in creating challenges that make your life harder. These are the people who betray your trust, spread rumors, or even actively sabotage your efforts. Their actions can range from subtle manipulation to outright deceit, but their impact on your life is undeniable. Their presence in your journey is one that tests your character, resilience, and ability to bounce back from adversity.
The most painful part of these relationships is often the realization that the people who hurt you were once part of your inner circle. These are the individuals you trusted, confided in, and believed in. When they betray that trust, it can feel like a personal attack. They might have been the ones who took advantage of your vulnerabilities or tried to undermine your progress in order to further their own goals. It’s difficult to comprehend that someone you cared about could turn into a source of pain.
Despite the harm they cause, these individuals often provide a powerful lesson in understanding human nature. They reveal the darker sides of people—how far some will go for power, recognition, or personal gain. Their actions will make you realize that not everyone who smiles at you has good intentions. However, while their behavior is hurtful, it also becomes an opportunity for growth. Their attempts to destroy your progress can paradoxically become the soil in which you grow stronger. They push you to develop a tougher skin and teach you how to avoid being taken advantage of in the future.
What’s important to remember is that their actions don’t define you. In fact, they may only serve to reveal your true strength. By overcoming the challenges they’ve presented, you become a more resilient and capable individual. Don’t allow their actions to dim your light; instead, use them as fuel for your continued growth and success. As you rise to the top, you’ll be able to look back and realize that their betrayal made you stronger—not weaker—and that’s something they can never take from you.
4. The People Who Are Still With You from Day One
In life, the people who have been with you from the very start are the rarest and most valuable of all. These are the individuals who saw you at your most vulnerable, before you had anything to offer the world. They were there when you had nothing—when you were struggling, learning, and growing. They’ve been with you through every high and low, celebrating your victories and supporting you through your failures. Their loyalty has been tested over time, and they’ve stood by you, not because of what you’ve achieved, but because of who you are.
These people are your foundation. They’ve seen you at your most authentic—before the world demanded you wear a mask. They know the real you, the version of you that was full of dreams but lacked the resources to achieve them. They’ve shared meals with you when your pockets were empty, offered their homes when you didn’t have a roof over your head, and believed in your potential when it felt like no one else did.
What makes these relationships so special is their depth and authenticity. These individuals were not attracted to your success, fame, or wealth—they were there long before those things existed. Their loyalty is unconditional, and they understand the essence of who you are because they’ve seen you grow. They’re the ones who will hold you accountable when your ego grows too large and will remind you of where you came from. These are the people who keep you grounded, who help you remember your roots even when the world around you changes.
As you continue to rise, keep these people close. They will be the ones who celebrate your successes with the most joy because they understand the effort behind each achievement. They are not interested in using you for personal gain; they are genuinely proud of you for who you have become. These are the people who make your journey worthwhile. Without them, the victories would feel hollow.
5. The People Who Opened Your Eyes to a Winnable Game
Success is not just about achieving your goals; it’s about seeing the world differently, understanding that the game you’re playing is winnable. There are people in your life who will introduce you to this idea—individuals who have already walked the path and can show you the way. These are the people who open your eyes to new opportunities, new ways of thinking, and new possibilities you might not have considered before. They help you see that success is not a matter of luck, but a matter of execution.
Perhaps they’re mentors, teachers, or even peers who have already experienced success in their own right. They are the ones who don’t just talk about the possibilities but show you what’s possible by their own example. Maybe they introduced you to a career path, a business idea, or a philosophy that you had never considered before, but which suddenly seems like the perfect fit for your skills and aspirations. They show you that the life you envision is not only possible, but achievable, if you are willing to work for it.
These people help shift your perspective, showing you that the rules of the game are not as fixed as you once thought. Once they’ve opened your eyes to the possibilities, it becomes clear that the only thing standing between you and your goals is your ability to execute. You no longer see obstacles as insurmountable—they are simply challenges to overcome on your way to success. This shift in mindset is often the most critical moment in your journey because it transforms doubt into action and vision into reality.
Without these people, you might have remained blind to the game’s true potential, stuck in a cycle of self-doubt and missed opportunities. Their influence opens up new worlds, and as you take those first steps into the game they introduced you to, you’ll realize that your success is not a question of if, but when.
6. The People Who Clapped When You Won
Success is best when shared, and the people who clap for you when you win are the ones who make your achievements feel even sweeter. These are the individuals who aren’t motivated by jealousy or competition but genuinely celebrate your accomplishments as if they were their own. Their applause is not only for the victory itself but for the journey you’ve undertaken to reach that point. They understand the struggle and the sacrifices that came before the success, and their joy is rooted in the fact that they were there to witness it.
These people are rare because they don’t view your success as a threat to their own; rather, they see it as a testament to what is possible. When they cheer for you, it’s an expression of admiration and respect for the hard work you’ve put in. Their encouragement validates your efforts and makes all the struggles feel worthwhile. This kind of support is invaluable because it reinforces the idea that success doesn’t have to be a lonely journey. It can be a shared experience, a communal victory.
What makes their support even more important is that it serves as a reminder of the people who have always believed in you, even when you couldn’t believe in yourself. They were the ones who celebrated your small wins long before the big victories came. Whether it’s the friend who congratulated you on a minor accomplishment, the colleague who recognized your contributions behind the scenes, or the mentor who always believed in your potential, their applause serves as a powerful affirmation of your path.
As you continue to climb, make sure to remember these people. Their support creates a sense of belonging, helping to mitigate the isolation that often accompanies success. They remind you that you are part of something greater than yourself, and your victory is not just a personal achievement but a shared one. When the accolades start pouring in, these are the people you’ll want to share your success with the most because they’ve been there through every step of the journey.
7. The People Who Didn’t Clap When You Won But Still Showed Up for the Cake
While it’s easy to spot genuine support, there are others whose motivations are far murkier. These people show up at your celebration but don’t offer a single clap when you succeed. They are the ones who might pretend to celebrate with you, but deep down, their actions reveal a different story. They are there for the perks—whether it’s a taste of your success, a share of your spotlight, or an opportunity to network with those you’ve surrounded yourself with. But when it comes time to show genuine appreciation for your hard-earned success, their silence is deafening.
These individuals are often driven by self-interest. They want to be near you when you’re successful because they see an opportunity to benefit from it. They might ask for favors, seek your help, or try to align themselves with your success without offering anything in return. They are the type of people who will take, take, take, without giving back. Their presence at your celebration isn’t a sign of genuine friendship or admiration; it’s a sign of opportunism.
The real challenge with these people is recognizing their true intentions. They may have been by your side during easier times, but their loyalty is conditional. When the going gets tough or when they no longer stand to gain from your success, they will fade into the background or even betray you. Pay attention to how people behave when you’re at the top. Do they celebrate with you and encourage your growth? Or do they simply take a slice of the cake, waiting for their turn to benefit from your success?
While it can be difficult to spot these opportunists, their actions—especially their silence when you win—are usually the most telling. Don’t be afraid to let go of these relationships. They don’t add true value to your life. In the long run, they will only drain you of your energy, making it harder to focus on those who genuinely have your best interests at heart. These people are better off at a distance, and as you progress, you will see them fade out as you surround yourself with more authentic, supportive individuals.
8. The Leaf People
There are some people in your life who enter for a specific purpose and leave once that purpose has been fulfilled. These are the “leaf people,” who come and go with the seasons, offering temporary support, companionship, or knowledge that serves a fleeting need in your life. They are like the leaves on a tree—beautiful and vibrant in the right season, but ultimately, their presence is not meant to last.
Leaf people might come into your life to help you during a specific project, provide guidance during a particular challenge, or offer emotional support for a short period. Their purpose is often to teach you something or to help you get through a specific time. Once that need is no longer present, they disappear, leaving little trace behind. This can be difficult to accept, especially if you’ve formed a bond with them, but it’s important to recognize the transient nature of these relationships.
The key to managing relationships with leaf people is to set clear boundaries. Understand that these people are not meant to be long-term fixtures in your life, and appreciate them for the value they add during their time with you. Don’t allow yourself to become overly emotionally invested in relationships that are temporary. Their role in your journey is to serve as a stepping stone, helping you get from one phase of your life to the next. Once their purpose is fulfilled, it’s time to move on.
There’s no need to harbor resentment or ill will toward these individuals. They served their purpose, and you must learn to let go when their season has passed. This allows you to keep your emotional balance intact and make room for relationships that will provide long-term support. The leaf people teach you the importance of adaptability and flexibility, showing you that not all relationships are meant to be permanent, and that’s perfectly okay.
9. The Branch People
The branch people are the individuals who stick with you for a while, but their loyalty is only proven under duress. They are like branches on a tree—able to support you for a time, but easily broken when life gets tough. These relationships are not immediately obvious; they often seem strong and reliable at first, but their true strength is revealed only when challenges arise.
Branch people can be trusted, but only up to a point. They are those individuals who might stand by you when things are going smoothly but are quick to break away when the pressure mounts. Their true nature only emerges in times of stress, conflict, or hardship. You might find that when things start to get difficult, these people are nowhere to be found. It’s important to “stress-test” these relationships to see how they hold up when life throws curveballs your way.
This doesn’t mean that branch people are necessarily bad or malicious. Sometimes, they simply don’t have the emotional resilience or commitment to stay by your side during difficult times. However, their failure to support you when you need them most is a signal that you should manage your expectations of them. While they might have been there for you in the good times, you cannot rely on them during the most critical moments.
The lesson with branch people is to watch their behavior closely when life gets hard. Their reactions will reveal whether they are truly dependable or just fair-weather friends. If they prove unreliable, it’s better to accept that they may not be the right people to rely on in your deepest moments of need. Instead, focus your energy on strengthening relationships with those who have already shown that they can withstand the storms of life.
10. The Root People
Root people are the anchors in your life. They are the ones who support you consistently and unconditionally, offering love, guidance, and loyalty without asking for anything in return. These individuals are not interested in the spotlight; their joy comes from seeing you succeed, knowing that they have been part of your journey from the very beginning.
The beauty of root people is that they are the foundation of your life. They offer stability in times of uncertainty, providing a safe space where you can be your true self without fear of judgment. Root people don’t care about your success in terms of wealth or recognition—they care about you as a person. They love you for who you are, not for what you can do for them. This type of loyalty is rare, and it’s something to cherish as you move through life.
Whether they are your family, closest friends, or trusted mentors, root people are the ones you can count on when the rest of the world fades away. They are there for you in the quiet moments, the hard times, and the celebrations. They don’t need anything in return because their satisfaction comes from knowing they’ve supported you throughout your journey. These people are your true inner circle—the ones who hold you up when the world tries to tear you down.
What makes root people truly invaluable is their constancy. They are always there, not because they have to be, but because they choose to be. They are your emotional anchors, the ones who remind you of who you are and where you came from. No matter how much success you achieve, they are the ones who will keep you grounded and help you remember the values and principles that got you there in the first place. Never take these people for granted—they are your true allies, and their loyalty is priceless.
11. The People Who Not Only Doubted You but Hoped You Would Fail
At some point in every journey to success, you’ll encounter people who not only doubt your abilities but actively wish for your failure. These individuals can be toxic, often projecting their insecurities, fears, and shortcomings onto you. Their doubt is not just a lack of faith in your potential—it’s a deep-seated belief that you won’t succeed and, more insidiously, a hope that you don’t. They are the ones who belittle your dreams, question your choices, and may even tell you that you’re destined to fail.
It’s important to recognize that these people’s opinions are rooted in their own limitations, not yours. Their skepticism is often a reflection of their own self-doubt or fear of their inability to achieve similar success. They might say things like, “You’re not cut out for this,” or “It’s too risky, you’re going to regret it.” These statements can feel like knives in the back, especially when they come from people you once respected or trusted.
However, it’s crucial to understand that your success has never been dependent on their approval. They are not the gatekeepers of your potential, and their negativity will not define your future unless you allow it to. Instead of taking their doubt personally, use it as fuel to push harder. Let their disbelief become the spark that propels you to prove them wrong. Every time you achieve a small win, think of their doubt and use it to motivate yourself to keep going.
Ultimately, their negativity can be a tool in your toolbox. They’ve made you stronger, more determined, and more focused on your goals. The key is not to become consumed by proving them wrong but to focus on your own growth and progression. Don’t let their negativity cloud your vision—keep your eyes on the prize and use their doubt as a reminder that your success is all the sweeter when it comes despite their opposition.
12. The People Who Pushed You to Greatness When You Wanted to Quit
There are moments in every ambitious person’s life when giving up seems like the only option. The obstacles feel insurmountable, the journey exhausting, and the end goal seems too far out of reach. In these dark moments, the people who push you to keep going are the ones who truly make a difference in your life. These individuals see your potential even when you’ve lost sight of it, reminding you of the vision you had when you started and urging you not to give up.
Perhaps it’s a mentor who sees the fire in you even when you’ve lost faith in yourself. Or a friend who knows the strength you possess and refuses to let you quit when it feels like the world is stacked against you. These people are more than just cheerleaders—they’re the ones who help you see beyond the momentary discomfort, urging you to push through the pain and persevere. They remind you that the struggle is part of the process, that overcoming obstacles is the very thing that makes success worthwhile.
What makes these individuals invaluable is their ability to remind you of your “why.” When you’re on the verge of quitting, they call you back to your original purpose, to the reason you started this journey in the first place. They help you reframe the challenges as necessary hurdles on the path to greatness, not as insurmountable roadblocks. They provide perspective, urging you to see the long-term reward rather than the temporary hardship.
Without these people, it’s easy to fall into self-doubt and quit when things get tough. But their encouragement helps you push through the hardest times, and as you reach your goals, you’ll realize that their faith in you was the catalyst that kept you going. Their belief in your potential, when you couldn’t believe in yourself, can be the greatest gift anyone gives you.
13. The People Who Called You Out on Your Crap
Personal growth often requires uncomfortable honesty. There are people in your life who have the courage to tell you the things that others are too afraid to say. These individuals see the flaws or mistakes you might be blind to, and they aren’t afraid to call you out on them. They hold up a mirror, showing you the parts of yourself that need improvement, no matter how difficult it may be to hear. While their words may sting in the moment, they are some of the most valuable people you can have in your life because they are the ones who help you evolve.
These are the friends who tell you that your behavior isn’t acceptable, the family members who confront you about toxic habits, or the mentors who point out when you’re not living up to your potential. They aren’t being critical for the sake of being hurtful—they’re doing it because they care about your growth. It’s often uncomfortable, but it’s also a gift. They help you become a better version of yourself by making you see the truth that you might be ignoring.
Without these people, it’s easy to stay stagnant, unaware of the behaviors or attitudes that are holding you back. Their honesty may be difficult to accept, but it allows you to address issues that could be limiting your success, your relationships, or your personal happiness. They challenge your assumptions, push you to confront uncomfortable truths, and, in doing so, set you on the path to real transformation.
If you are lucky enough to have people who are willing to call you out when necessary, don’t take their words for granted. Embrace their feedback, even when it stings, because it’s this kind of tough love that helps you reach your highest potential. True personal growth happens when you can face the truth and make the necessary changes, and these individuals are the ones who make that process possible.
14. The People Who You Do It For
When you embark on a path toward success, it’s easy to become focused on the destination—the wealth, the recognition, the status. However, one of the most powerful motivators for achieving greatness is the people you do it for. These are the individuals who depend on you, the ones who look to you for support, guidance, or inspiration. They are the reason you get out of bed every morning, push through the hard times, and keep working even when it feels like everything else is falling apart.
For many, these are family members—the children you want to provide for, the parents you want to make proud, or the loved ones who count on you emotionally or financially. It could also be your community or tribe, the people whose lives you want to improve through your success. Having a “why” beyond yourself provides the fuel needed to push through the toughest moments. The thought of the people who need you to succeed can be a powerful motivator when your own self-motivation is waning.
These people keep you focused on the bigger picture. It’s easy to get lost in the pursuit of personal gain, but when you remember that your success isn’t just about you, it adds a layer of meaning and purpose to your efforts. Their needs and expectations become the driving force behind your actions, pushing you to strive harder, go further, and never quit, even when the path becomes difficult.
When things get tough, remembering who you’re doing it for can reignite the fire within you. It helps you focus on what truly matters—creating a better life for those you care about. Whether it’s the desire to provide for your children’s future, support your family’s well-being, or improve the lives of those around you, knowing that your success will benefit others makes the pursuit of greatness feel more meaningful.
15. The Young You
We all have dreams and ambitions from our younger years, full of untapped potential and unformed aspirations. The young version of yourself had a vision for what you could achieve, often without any clear understanding of the obstacles in your path. They believed that anything was possible, and that belief was unshakable. As you work your way through life, success, and wealth, it’s crucial not to forget the dreams and hopes of that young version of yourself.
The young you represents a time of pure ambition, when the world was full of possibilities. They weren’t bogged down by the doubts, failures, and limitations that life often imposes. They had an innate belief in their own potential. When you start to achieve success, it’s easy to forget the passion and drive that your younger self had. You might become jaded, focused only on the next goal or the next big thing. But it’s essential to honor the dreams that motivated you in the first place.
The young you dreamed of becoming someone great, and those dreams were full of energy, hope, and promise. As you achieve success, it’s important to check in with that version of yourself and ask: “Am I living up to the potential I saw?” Don’t allow the pressures of success to dull your original vision. The dreams that drove you forward in the beginning are just as important now. They remind you of why you started this journey and can help you stay grounded as you climb higher.
Honoring the young you means living up to their potential, fulfilling the dreams they once had, and not losing sight of the original vision that inspired you. Success, wealth, and recognition are great, but they mean nothing if you aren’t living a life that aligns with your true values and the dreams of your younger self. Make sure that the person you’ve become is someone that young you would be proud of.
Conclusion
As you navigate the complex landscape of wealth and success, it’s essential to remember the diverse array of people who play a pivotal role in your journey. The lifesavers, day-ones, cheerleaders, and even the doubters all contribute to your growth and perspective. By acknowledging their influence and nurturing those connections, you create a support system that propels you toward not just monetary success but also personal fulfillment. Wealth is not merely a reflection of what you possess; it’s also about the relationships you cultivate and the impact you make on those around you. So, as you celebrate your achievements, take a moment to appreciate the individuals who have shaped your path and commit to honoring their presence in your life as you continue your journey.