Get By with a Little Help from Your Friends

The Importance of Community

I love brainstorming and launching new projects, but I struggle to stick with an idea until it becomes a reality. While at first I work enthusiastically, it’s never long before I start getting bored – or wondering if my project will pan out. When either happens, I throw in the towel or dive into the next “sure-fire” idea.

I drive my wife absolutely nuts. This year, she asked me, “Why don’t you follow through? Just choose something, and do it!”

Ouch. Not what I wanted to hear. But she was right: I needed to change. I needed commitment – and some help!

Teamwork

Courtesy of iStock Images

A Little Help From My Friends

Once I made up my mind to commit to an idea – starting a blog – regardless of how I felt, I knew I’d need support. While I was researching blogging, I read and heard a lot about Masterminds: small groups of people (2 to 8) who meet to help each other achieve business and personal goals.

That kind of support and camaraderie was just what I needed, so I asked my sister and friend if they’d start a mastermind with me.

Accountability

Forming a mastermind group turned out to be a great move. The more I shared my ideas and plans with my friends, the more committed I became. I didn’t want to let them down. I also wanted my progress to inspire them to reach their goals.

Positive peer pressure and a desire to see my group succeed motivated me. For the first time, I kept working when the good feelings were gone.

Consistency

Our regular meetings have played a key role in my success. Every week, we meet for half an hour. I’m driven to show my group what I’ve accomplished since we last met. My desire to share something exciting keeps me working when I don’t feel like it.

In addition to our weekly meetings, we check in with each other almost daily via texting. Our messages are brief, but the extra layer of accountability keeps me plugging away on a daily basis.

We Need Each Other

Several hundred years ago, rampant piracy forced cargo ships to travel in convoys. While buccaneers could easily overpower a lone ship, it was difficult for them to bully a group.

Have you ever watched a hungry lion on the prowl? Who does she pursue? Answer: The isolated gazelle who’s carelessly wandered away from the group.

The truth is I was never meant to be a lone ranger. And neither were you.

What has community support enabled you to do that you could have never done on your own?

 

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