The current level that you are is a product of the people who you soround your self with because associations matters a lot, in our biology we where taught about different associations that exist in nature which includes symbiosis, mutuality and parasitism etc are different types of associations that organisms in nature undergo for them to survive
It's also true for we as humans being because we should be always be careful of the association that we find ourselves self because any association that is not impacting into you should be stopped because I am of the view that in this year that we have found ourselves if we are to make serious progress economically and others wise then take a careful evaluation of those around you and make changes if necessary
OP you're very right, association, the friends we keep impact us either negatively or positively, it is important for an individual to make thorough check on the association he or she keeps to balance his financial growth or character wise, some people change in behavior once the start associating with bad friends, they even get worst than those bad friends because they will be more extreme in learning what their friends do that's why there is saying which says show me your friend and I will tell you whom you are, there are people who you must cut off from if you really want to grow both financially and otherwise, such persons has nothing to offer you, they are always full with negativity and if you continue associating with them you will remain or even go below the level you're in life, thats why it's very wise for a person to choose his frimeds not the other way round, buddy am taking this piece of writing as a good advise to work with this year, I really have to because ones cycle of friends most times determines there level progress in all ramification.