The Importance of Having a Supportive Community

Recently, I finished reading “Overcoming Underearning – A five-step plan to a richer life” by Barbara Stanny. It was gifted to me by my business coach, and honestly, at first, I didn’t think I was going to read it. First, I had never heard of Barbara Stanny, and second, I wasn’t interested in earning more money; my goal was to get my finances in order (you don’t necessarily need more money to achieve that). However, I’m glad I read this book, and I encourage any woman who has a business or needs to get their finances in order (like me) to read it.

In this book, Barbara provides five steps to a better life, as the title says, and today I want to talk to you about step four, create community.

Barbara says, “Whatever we achieve (or don’t) is significantly affected by our cumulative interactions with everyone we associate with on a regular basis.”

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And this statement hit home when I read it. I immediately thought of my spouse, friends, and family members, who have supported all my projects. She says that there are four types of supporters:

1. True Believers – say, “Go for it.”
2. Confidantes – say, “I understand.”
3. Way Showers – say, “You can do it, too; let me show you how.”
4. Messengers – say, “I can help.”

It’s imperative to have support around you to reach any goal because we cannot do anything alone. I mean, you could, but it will be ten times harder and take ten times longer. You need people around you who will hold you accountable, provide resources, and inspire you.

Think about your support system – do you share your goals with them? Why or why not? Can you share your goals with your friends? What about family members? Are they supportive? Why or why not? Barbara mentions that you are more likely to reach a goal or the next level by sharing your goals with one other person.

What about your spouse? Are they supportive? In the book, she mentioned that after finishing her workshop, some women ended up separating from their spouses because they realized the spouse was holding them back. Now, I’m not saying to get a divorce; I’m saying to re-evaluate who you have around you.

I share my goals with my husband, and I share the steps I am going to take to reach those goals. The kids are with my husband when I have events, meetings, or need to record a podcast episode. When I am struggling or have doubts about anything, I go to my husband for support. He gives me his perspective and sometimes suggestions on how to approach my challenge. If not, he always reminds me to pray.

 My closest friends celebrate my wins like they are theirs, and I do theirs. I try to support them in any way that I can. And you should have people around you like this, who believe in you and your dreams and will encourage and support you to achieve them.

Let me finish by giving you the six principles Barbara says you need to create a powerful community.

1. Realize no one will do this for you, but you don’t have to do it alone.
2. Reach out and ask for support.
3. Hang out with the kind of people you want to be, not who you’ve been.
4. Recognize the role of the naysayer.
5. Watch what you talk about.
6. Respect yourself by taking time for you.

Do you have a supportive community? Reach out if you need someone in your corner; I got you!

With Love, Heidy

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