8 Simple Ways To Create The Support System That You Need
No matter who you are, thriving requires assistance
A strong support system is vital for an individual’s well-being and overall health. I’ve learned this over the years as I sought to cultivate a support group of both colleagues and friends upon whom I still draw for strength. The friendships provided by my support system have helped me through countless challenging times and continue to motivate me today.
Anyone who wants to thrive needs support.
Here are eight ways to build a better support system, no matter where you are in life or what type of help you need:
1. Recall past successes.
Remember all of the times that you’ve been successful in the past.
Ask yourself: What support did you have to achieve those successes? Which people were most helpful to you during that time? What support did you not have that would have been helpful?
Then turn to the present. Do you have similar people in your life that can fill those same roles? Or are other tools available that could support your efforts, such as classes, books, and seminars? Use your past as a blueprint for the present and future.
2. Review a few past failures.
Next, think about your more significant failures.
Ask yourself: What support did you lack that could have prevented those failures?
And again, turn to the present. Do you have people or other tools that can fill those roles now? Avoid repeating your previous mistakes by building support systems that can help you avoid them moving forward.
3. Project yourself into the future.
Consider what you want to accomplish in the future. Consider what challenges you will need to overcome to get there. What do you need in order to address the challenges that you currently face and expect to face down the road? Think carefully and make a list.
4. Research support groups.
More than likely, there is already a support group that exists to help you. There are a plethora of support groups online, so it’s easier than ever to find something that works for you. Whether you need support in your parenting, career, public speaking goals, exercise habits, dealing with a health diagnosis, or aiding an aging parent, there are groups that can help.
Also, try expanding your definition of a support group. For example, if your goal is to become a professional singer, you could join a local choir. Even recreational groups can be an important part of your support system.
5. Seek out a mentor.
A guiding mentor is a critical part of your support system. Mentors have the experience to foresee upcoming challenges and help you navigate them successfully. A great mentor won’t just help you with challenges; they will help you to avoid those challenges altogether.
6. Consider other types of support.
Support systems consist of more than just people. You could include to-do lists, alarm clocks, books, or exercise. Planning apps and calendars count, too. Anything that supports your efforts to thrive is part of your support system.
7. Search online.
There is a plethora of support online. Start by finding others with the same goals and spend some time in their preexisting communities. Remember that you can use Zoom, Skype, or Facebook to easily communicate with like-minded people over the internet.
8. Contact those who are already part of your life.
Many people are bored day in and day out, and would welcome the opportunity to help someone who they already know. There’s no reason to not reach out to your existing support system. Don’t be afraid to ask for the help that you need.
Support can come in many forms. It can be emotional, social, health-related, or business support. Each is important, so consider the types of support that you need most but regularly reevaluate what you may be missing in the future.
Cultivate the support that you need in order to flourish. The more support that you have, the bigger the goals that you can achieve.
With great love and gratitude, Aurora