Having a strong support system is essential to all of us. Knowing we have others we can count on in times of trouble, or to share celebrations with, not only helps us to be happier, but enables our personal growth, well-being, and success. Whether you’re looking for emotional support, practical assistance, networking opportunities, or diverse perspectives, building a robust support system, including a solid group of friends, that will stand up to the test of time can provide a wealth of benefits. Let’s review some tips about how to build a support system that can help us achieve our full potential and help us support others in return.
Strategies to Build a Support System
Before starting to build our support system, it’s essential we identify our needs.
We can start by considering what areas of our life we want to improve and the types of support that would be most beneficial.
Do we need more emotional support, practical assistance, professional networking, or diverse perspectives?
Are we lonely or in need of friends and socialization time?
Once we have a clear idea of our needs, we can focus our efforts on building relationships with those who can provide the support we need, and who we can support in return.
How to Build a Support System: Options to Pursue to Build Relationships
Are you looking to build friendships?
Joining groups and communities is an excellent way to meet like-minded people who share your interests and goals.
Look for groups focused on your hobbies or personal development. Attend events, meetups, or conferences to connect and build relationships.
Online communities and social media groups are also a great way to expand your network and engage with others who share your interests.
How to Build a Support System: Options to Pursue to Build Connections
Are you looking to expand your professional network?
Attending workshops and seminars offer opportunities to learn new skills, connect with experts in your field, and meet others with similar professional interests.
Participating in training sessions or webinars is a great way to network and engage with others in your industry.
By engaging with others in your field, you may gain valuable insights, new perspective, and potential employment opportunities.
How to Build a Support System: Options to Pursue to Find Like-Minded People
Are you looking to meet others who share your passion in life?
Volunteering is a rewarding way to give back to your community while also building relationships.
Look for opportunities to volunteer with organizations that align with your values or interests.
Volunteering offers a chance to meet others who share your passion and may lead to long-lasting friendships.
Additionally, volunteering can offer opportunities to learn new skills and gain valuable experience.
Would you like to rebuild relationships from earlier in your life?
Reconnecting with old contacts is a great way to expand your support system. Reach out to former coworkers, classmates, or acquaintances and reconnect over shared interests or experiences. Use social media platforms like LinkedIn to reconnect and network.
You never know who can provide you with valuable connections or opportunities, or who else is in need of support, just like you.
How to Build Your Own Support System
Building a support system requires an open mind and willingness to connect with people from different backgrounds and experiences. Be proactive in meeting new people and be receptive to new ideas. It helps to embrace diversity and be open to learning from others’ perspectives.
It takes time to build a support system, but the benefits are well worth it.
Knowing you have a group of folks who will be there for you whether life is good, or times are challenging, helps us each cultivate a strong foundation for personal and professional growth.
Beyond helping us to be happy, when we build a support system, it fosters a sense of belonging, expands our horizons, and creates a thriving ecosystem for personal success.
Let’s invest time and energy in growing our support systems, and then watch ourselves flourish!
Thank you as always for reading.
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Joan Senio is the founder of KindCompassCoach. Her career includes 20+ years as a health care executive and 15 years (and counting) as a consultant. The common thread through Joan’s professional life has been a commitment to lead, mentor and coach current and future leaders, and women from all walks of life. KindCompassCoach provides information and advice grounded in Joan’s personal experience; however, all articles are backed by research and provide facts and advice from a wide variety of experts. Joan also serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me.
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