Why You Need to Swim in a Bigger Pond: The Power of Surrounding Yourself with People Who Challenge You

The Growth That Comes From Swimming in a Bigger Pond

It is human nature to crave comfort, familiarity, and recognition. We like the feeling of being the most knowledgeable in the room, the most accomplished in our circle, or the “big fish” in our small pond. But what feels like success in the moment can quietly become the very thing that stunts our growth. When we only surround ourselves with people at or below our level, we limit our ability to stretch, to learn, and to be sharpened into who we are truly capable of becoming.

I have become an avid pickleball player. A few weeks back I started to play with a group of people whose standard was a lot higher than mine. The gap in ability was noticeable but I enjoyed the game. However, something interesting started to happen quite rapidly. At the beginning I felt a bit out of my depth but quickly I was able to contribute and play at a higher level. The challenge presented at the start became more comfortable and I started to play at a higher level.

This small example has shown me that one of the greatest point of growth is at the bottom of the totem pole when there is the most room for growth. I took this idea further and really humbled myself by setting up a game with some top players, the gap is humbling but the potential for growth is higher than ever! How often do you intentionally put yourself in a situation like this to grow? This principle has served me in my business over and over again.

Scripture reminds us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17). Sharpening implies friction. Growth requires challenge. If no one in your circle challenges you, calls you higher, or demonstrates a level of excellence that humbles you, then you are not being sharpened—you are simply coasting.

Think about the athlete who always competes against weaker opponents. They might win every match, but their true potential remains untapped because their skills are never tested against greater strength. The same principle applies in business, faith, and life. You grow most when you are around people who are further along the path—people who inspire you, intimidate you a little, and show you what is possible when discipline and vision are applied over time.

Being the “big fish” might feel good, but it’s a dangerous illusion. It tricks us into thinking we’ve arrived when in reality we’ve just outgrown our pond. The healthiest thing you can do for your growth is to step into deeper waters. Seek out mentors, communities, and environments where you are no longer the most accomplished person in the room. Let yourself feel the discomfort of not knowing all the answers. That very tension is the soil where humility, wisdom, and real growth take root.

Choosing Discomfort Today for Greater Growth Tomorrow

But this doesn’t happen by accident—it requires intentionality. You must choose to pursue relationships and environments that stretch you. As Paul writes, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind”(Romans 12:2). Transformation doesn’t happen passively; it comes from actively seeking higher ground and allowing God to reshape your thinking through those He places in your path.

Jesus modeled this for us. Though He was the Son of God, He continually placed Himself in situations of challenge—whether in the wilderness, before Pharisees, or among the hurting and broken. He didn’t choose the easy road of comfort, but the refining road that brought glory to God.

So ask yourself: are you surrounding yourself with people who make you better? Or are you staying where you feel safe and affirmed? True growth means leaving behind the comfort of the small pond and daring to swim with those who stretch you. It may not feel as easy, but it will produce a far greater harvest in your business, your faith, and your life.