It Takes A Village

If I had a dollar for every time I have heard the phrase “it takes a village,” I would probably be pretty well off right now. Most scenarios where I heard said phrase surrounded the upbringing of my daughter. However, what I have come to realize is that the premise of having a “village” extends beyond the wonderful world of parenting. In fact, it can be attributed to life period. Having a village means having a support system or a network of individuals to turn to in times of need, whether that be emotionally, physically, or even spiritually. Having a support system is so important! Have you ever noticed that some of the most successful people out here have excellent support systems?  They are surrounded by people who show up and show out for them consistently. I’ll say it again, having a support system is SO IMPORTANT! Here’s a quick list of different people you should consider adding to your village:

1.) Go-Getters – These are going to be individuals who will not allow you to be all talk. They encourage you to follow through on your goals and pursue your passions. In addition, they will help any way they can with action steps, as they aren’t the type to sit back. My mom instantly comes to mind in this category. You cannot tell her anything you want to do if you are not prepared to tell her your best laid plans of how you will get there. These are the ones who will tell you to do it now, today, not tomorrow!

2.) Mentors – It’s always a good idea to have someone in your support system who has done or is currently doing what you aspire to do in life. Whether it’s a hobby, a career field or a lifestyle, mentors can provide advice about what worked well for them as well as how they failed and tips on how you can avoid making the same mistakes they did. You can’t have too many mentors. I’ve got two myself.

3.) Accountability Partners – Much like the Go-Getters, accountability partners are not going to let you slack on doing what you said you were going to do. Instead, they check in on your progress at regular intervals. And you do the same for them. I have an accountability partner, and we meet once a month and check in once a week just to see what our goals are for that week and how the previous week went. We also trade business knowledge, as we both have different strengths, and we aren’t afraid to challenge why an action step hasn’t been completed yet.

4.) Supporters – These are the people who will come to just about every event, buy your products when they can, and/or refer people to your business. This category also includes those who check in to see how you are really doing. Not the standard, ‘I’m fine’, but the ones you can tell the truth to. And they will be there for you. To lend a hand. To listen. To offer advice or a resource or a shoulder to lean on.

5.) Realists – We all need people who are not fearful of hurting our feelings or telling it like it is. One of my favorite people on this earth I reach out to when I need a reality check. Why? Because I know she will give me unfiltered honesty. She doesn’t tell me what I want to hear, and isn’t afraid to play Devil’s advocate to give me a new perspective on situations.

6.) Networkers – You ever met someone who just knows how to work a room? They are outgoing, can strike up conversation with anyone, and make connections everywhere they go. These are the one who are easy to get acquainted with. And they are not afraid to get you acquainted with others. I’m a relatively shy person. It normally takes someone with this type of personality to bring me out of my shell in a room full of unfamiliar faces.

Those are just a few examples of people you may want to have in your village. I’ve learned that each ‘village’ may look different from the next. Personally, my village also includes Listeners, Cheerleaders, Gurus, and Ride or Dies. To each their own. But if you feel like you aren’t getting what you need from your village, or that you don’t have one period, maybe it’s time to switch things up. Get rid of those individuals in your circle who are just watching from the sidelines being nosy and fill your village with those who will support you and allow you to support them. No man is an island, and having a support system is SO IMPORTANT!

Who’s in your village? Drop your thoughts in the comments below! Comment, like, and share! And don’t forget to subscribe! Over and out!