Unleash Your Potential #63 - Improving your Social Network
- Douglas McCall
- Aug 27, 2024
- 3 min read
Douglas: Welcome to the Unleash Your Potential Blog; what question can I answer today?
SuccessSage: What can I do to build a more supportive social network?
Douglas: As I sit and reflect on your question, some questions of my own keep bubbling up. When I think about the words "more supportive," I think, "more supportive of what?" And then, because our questions can tell us so much more than the words we choose, I am also curious, "How is your current social network not supporting you that is driving you to ask this question?" In both cases, this suggests some directions for responding to your question.
More Supportive of What?
This question speaks to an understanding of what your goals are. Where are you trying to go when looking for support from your social network? Perhaps you don't feel supported by your social network because you are still searching for direction in some way. Think of it this way: if you are in a motorboat with the most potent engine available but don't have a rudder to steer the boat, then much of that power could be wasted by just trolling in circles. If this is the case, then before you evaluate your social network, you need to do some personal work to figure out what you want your social network to support. Start asking yourself questions to help you clarify your goals so that you can put your social network to task to help you move in specific directions.
How is your social network not supporting you?
On the other hand, perhaps the nagging thoughts in your mind about your social network are coming up because you have a clear direction but feel that your social network is not supporting that direction. In that case, you might want to lean into where your social network's support is lacking. Perhaps you are at a point where you are trying to grow, and your social network is more interested in seeing you stay where you are. Or your social network may pour energy into you, moving in one direction, but you have decided to go in another. In both situations, it's about surrounding yourself with people who will build you up and support the direction you want to go, whatever that direction may be.
For your social network to be as supportive as possible, you need to answer both questions. Figure out where you want to go, and then surround yourself with voices that support that direction. If there are voices in your social network that are loudly encouraging you in a direction you do not want to go, you might need to consider finding a way to quiet those or change their position. Perhaps you can communicate with them and explain where your desired direction is. Then maybe they can use their powerful voice to support you better. If not, you may need to distance yourself from these voices or remove them from your circle entirely. Either way, you want to surround yourself with people who will support you in achieving the goals you have set for yourself.
Our social network is vital to our success. When you have a social network that builds you up and challenges you to go farther, you significantly increase your chances of success and personal growth. However, if your social network is invested in keeping you where you are or going backward, it will significantly increase your chances of stagnation or decline. Either way, your social network is a powerful force. Which way do you want it to work for you?
I hope my answer sheds some light on your question. If you want to dig into this concept further, I encourage you to reach out and set up a conversation. In the meantime, check back tomorrow for the next question in the Unleash Your Potential Series!
Be Well!
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