This is known as the Pygmalion effect.
If the people you surround yourself with believe you can achieve bigger things, this psychological effect suggests that you will likely act in ways that will prove them right.
Think of a teacher at school who believed in you and how you worked harder to prove them right. Their belief inspired you to rise to the challenge.
It creates a self-fulfilling prophecy: positive expectations drive positive behavior, which in turn drives even higher expectations and further behavior changes.
This effect has been observed widely – in classrooms, the workplace and sports teams.
But I suspect this also applies to social circles. You achieve more if your friends and family expect more from you.
The thing is, the Pygmalion effect works both ways. It applies to negative expectations, too.
Low expectations lead to negative behaviour. A cycle of disengagement.
This means the people you surround yourself with either hold you back or push you forward. Choose wisely.
It also means that you have the power to influence others. By setting and signalling high expectations for others, especially your family, friends and colleagues, they may rise. Expect more.