Growing together - why can we only succeed with the support and help of others?
We've all set goals in our lives - to learn to play a new musical instrument, run a marathon, start a business, or just be more confident in our daily decisions.
But there often comes a point when our initial spark of motivation fades.
We may feel insecure, fear possible failure, or doubt whether we are truly capable of achieving our desired dreams.
In these moments, one important source of strength emerges: the support and help of others.
The power of community
One of the most powerful lessons I've learned is that we don't have to walk our path alone.
When I first decided to become a yoga and fitness instructor and coach at the same time, I quickly realized that this path was more than just getting up early every day, training, and continuing my education in the field.
There were days when I wanted to give up, especially when the weather was bad or I was too tired to get out of bed and go read professional scripts. If it weren't for my husband and friends who believed in me, and certain online groups that shared their daily victories and struggles, I might have given up within the first month.
This simple act of striving alongside others, and sharing victories and setbacks kept me feeling good. They encouraged me whenever I doubted myself and reminded me that progress, not perfection, was the key to success.
In return, I learned to pass that encouragement on to others. Our lives are interconnected; when one person shines, the light can spread to countless others.
Motivation to keep going
Goals can become daunting when they seem to reach far into the future.
This is where people who support you are important. Whether it's a mentor, a spouse, or a small online community, sharing your milestones with someone else can remind you why you started in the first place.
It provides a sense of accountability, as well as a gentle, loving nudge to keep going when things aren't going well.
Take, for example, a high school student studying for an important exam. If he tries to handle it alone, he may feel pressured. However, if he is studying in a group or with a sibling who supports him, they can share study tips, discuss problems, laugh together during breaks, and ultimately boost each other's morale.
Keeping fear and failure in perspective
Reliable support also helps us reassess our fears. Fear of failure can be crippling and often stems from feeling "alone" in the struggle.
However, if we talk to friends, family, or mentors who have faced similar challenges, our fears become more manageable and failure becomes a stepping stone rather than a dead end.
When I started a job in a different industry, I felt anxious about learning new software or procedures and how I would fit into an established team. But my colleagues got involved - one offered after-work tutorials, and another shared stories of mistakes they made when they started.
Listening to them, my fears were less overwhelming and taught me that we can stumble along the way. In fact, it's normal and part of the journey.
Finding like-minded people
Pursuing a goal often seems less lonely when we find a tribe of like-minded people - those who share our passion, our dreams, or even just our excitement about learning something new.
Whether it's local clubs, online forums, or simply texting with a group of friends who are on a similar journey, surrounding yourself with like-minded supporters fosters momentum. These communities keep us excited, inspire new ideas and offer feedback from a place of understanding.
Think of entrepreneurs joining co-working spaces or mastermind groups. They may come from a variety of backgrounds, but they are all striving to grow a successful business. The sharing of resources, brainstorming and sense of camaraderie makes each member's dreams feel more tangible and achievable.
Embrace togetherness
We may be fiercely independent, capable, and ambitious, but no one is expected to make life's great journey alone. Support doesn't make us weak, it makes us human. It connects us to others, eases our fears, and lifts us up when we're too tired to take the next step.
So the next time you set a goal - big or small - invite people who believe in you to be a part of your journey.
Seek out mentors, share with friends, find supportive communities, and pay that support forward. After all, everyone's stories are interwoven in ways that enrich our dreams and lead us closer to achieving them.
We truly grow, learn, and achieve success best when we do it together...
Are you striving to achieve a long-term goal? How important is support along the way?
Let me know your experiences in the comments and let's get inspired together...
