Building and growing a support system is important for personal growth, well-being, and success. However, for people who are insecure or shy, the prospect of meeting new people and building relationships can feel daunting. Let’s talk about how to build a support system, and tips and strategies that can help make it easier for anyone.
Tips on How to Build a Support System
When you’re insecure, lonely, or shy, taking small steps is the best way to begin to build confidence and reduce anxiety in approaching others.
Attend small events, such as meetups or workshops, where there are fewer people.
This can help you feel more comfortable and allow you to engage with people on a smaller scale, leading to more in-depth conversations and more robust relationships.
How to Build a Support System Using Social Media
Social media provides an excellent opportunity for those who are insecure or shy to connect with others.
You can join online groups focused on your interests or hobbies and engage in online conversations with others who share your passions.
You can also participate in online forums, chatting with others in your field or your community.
Build a Support System Through Networking Events
Attending networking events is an excellent way to connect with others in your industry or your community.
While it can be overwhelming to contemplate, you can prepare yourself ahead of time to make the experience more manageable.
Do your research on the event and plan out talking points or conversation starters.
Arrive early and introduce yourself to a few people before the event becomes more crowded.
The more you attend networking events, the more confident and comfortable you’ll become with meeting new people.
Build Your Support System by Volunteering
Volunteering is a rewarding way to give back to your community while also building relationships.
Look for opportunities to volunteer with groups or organizations that align with your interests or hobbies.
It will allow you to connect with others who share your passion, increasing your confidence in engaging with others, and may lead to long-lasting friendships.
Focus on Common Ground
When approaching people to build relationships, focus on common ground areas such as shared interests, hobbies or mutual acquaintances.
Engaging in conversational topics that are familiar to you helps reduce anxiety and creates a quick bond, making it easier to build a robust support system.
Practice Active Listening
Active listening means listening to others with the intent of understanding their perspectives, thoughts, and feelings.
Active listening helps build a closer and deeper relationship, showing that you’re interested in what the other person has to say.
When people feel heard and understood, they are more likely to reciprocate and offer their support.
Seek Professional Help
If insecurity or shyness are significant barriers to building a support system, consider seeking professional help such as a therapist or counselor.
A mental health professional or coach can help you overcome these barriers. They can also provide practical strategies to build confidence in social situations. This may allow you to meet and connect with new people.
How to Build a Support System
Building a support system when you’re insecure or shy can be challenging but taking small steps to build relationships can significantly boost your confidence and well-being.
With time, you can build a robust support system that enables you to reach your full potential.
Thank you as always for reading.
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Joan Senio is the founder of KindCompassCoach. Joan’s career includes clinical healthcare plus 20+ years as an executive in a nationwide health care system and 15 years as a consultant. The common threads throughout Joan’s personal and professional life are a commitment to non-profit organizations, mental health, compassionate coaching, professional development and servant leadership. Joan has had the privilege of mentoring early and mid-career professionals as well as current and future executives and leaders. She is a member of the International Organization of Life Coaches, serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is also a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me. You can read more about Joan here: Joan Senio.
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