Loral is always saying that you need to find people to support your life: a maid, someone to set appointments for you, a nanny, and other members of a support team. Often, though, I think we overlook the support we really need – and it’s completely free. It’s the people we choose to surround ourselves with. Mindset is important, but even the person with the strongest mindset in the world would still have trouble maintaining it if they were surrounded by negativity or non-support. Negativity is a drain and you just can’t afford it if you are going to achieve your big, hairy, audacious dreams.
There are several key relationships that can provide you with the support you need to live the life you deserve.
Family: Family is a biggie. At a recent 3 Days to Cash, Loral explained that money is not a topic she discusses with her family back in Nebraska. They agree to disagree and the topic isn’t brought up. Finding the areas where your family can provide you the support you need, though, is very important. Figure out where your family fits in to your overall financial and emotional support equation. Then, enjoy the relationship! They are your family, after all.
Significant Other: Aside from the time you spend working on your business, you spend the most time with your significant other. Whether that person is your wife, husband, boyfriend, or girlfriend, the bond you share with them can either help you achieve your dreams or hold you back from them. How do they support you? Do you get the emotional support you need or are they in a constant state of make-wrong? While you are working, do they support you by doing unexpected things for you that make your life easier? Or, do they put up road blocks? Take a close look at this relationship and discuss with your significant other how they can support you and your ambitions.
Friends: Friends can do one of two things in your life. They can lift you up and cheer you on or they can steer you down the wrong path in a hurry. You can generally tell if you need to weed a friend out of your life. One community member suggested that you have a discussion with the friend and tell them it is important to you to have their friendship and support. Address any behaviors that are not a fit with your overall goals. Perhaps your friends make you feel guilty for working late or they are negative about what you do. Have the conversation. If they respond, great. If not, slowly start seeing them less and less. If they are a true friend, they will support you. If not, then their friendship is not one that will enhance your life and you are better off with them not in it.
Business Networks: You are who you surround yourself with. This applies to friends and it also applies to business networks. If you surround yourself with a network that is active, always referring business to each other, motivating, and providing inspiration, your business will group. If you involve yourself in inactive networks who have meetings but never accomplish anything as a group, it’s a drain on your time and resources. Choose your networks wisely. The Live Out Loud community is a wonderful network of people who are excited to mutually support each other. You can plug into this network at 3 Days to Cash, remain plugged in at Loral’s Big Table, and plug yourself in for life at Alumni.
Whoever you associate with, make sure they are someone who will help you get to the next level. The right relationships and network can make or break an enterprise. Set it up so it MAKES yours!
