“Human beings can’t help it: We need to belong. One of the most powerful of our survival mechanisms is to be part of a tribe, to contribute to (and take from) a group of like-minded people.”
—Seth Godin
Getting out of isolation is one of the quickest ways to empower ourselves personally, professionally and financially.
We thrive better when connected—particularly when we align with like-minded others and with those a few steps ahead who can mentor us on our journey.
As I venture into taking bigger steps forward to honor my calling to produce a new health-related book, (see related blog on The bravest thing I’ve ever done), I hope to guide you also in stepping into your full selves.
In creating my new book, I am doing “success” differently by building my “tribes” or teams of support far ahead of publication time.
The personal relationships I have developed and thoughtfully maintained are a big part of my ongoing success –and of the expanded roles as an author and teacher that I am stretching into more fully becoming. My teams support my bigger calling.
Building teams ahead is critical to success for, as I have coached clients for more than 12 years, the number one subconscious belief that blocks success is fear of being alone.
If you start a new venture already knowing you are supported you can help eliminate that negative belief, which is often wired in during the first seven years of life. I suggest to clients who are pondering a career transition or a divorce, for example, to create a list of 10 people they can call on if they need support. This “list” is best developed well ahead of the actual event.
My tribe now includes five teams or those who I see as “families”: those I work with at my fun part-time job, a healing circle of like-minded others committed to new levels of well-being, a Newburyport entrepreneurs’ group, my two children who believe in my calling and book, and an inner circle of friends who have been with me through “thick and thin.”
There are three core characteristics I look for in a tribe:
- Reciprocity, where we give and take fairly, knowing that 50/50 is an ideal that is not necessarily met in each moment of connection but is a helpful intention over the long-term.
- Integrity, which includes giving honest feedback in a kind, thoughtful and supportive manner.
- Fun and laughter, so even the mistakes we make while stretching out of our comfort zones are accepted without judgment.
For great ideas on tribe-building in business, check out Internet marketing guru Seth Godin’s bestselling book: Tribes-We Need You To Lead Us .
SUPPORT MATTERS’ BELIEF TIPS OF THE WEEK FOR TRIBE-BUILDING:
1. I allow myself to build tribes that help me grow and stretch out of my comfort zone.
2. I allow myself to get out of isolation and connect with like-minded others.
3. I allow myself to thrive in success feeling fully supported.
Beth Shedd’s photo of herself and her daughters reveals three members of her family “tribe” grasping hands in a joyful and authentic gesture. Reaching out to those you trust most can keep you afloat and connected in powerful ways.
Gail Kauranen Jones is an intuitive coach, gifted wordsmith and inspiring teacher who has been leading others through transformation for more than twenty years. She is the author of two books, Cancer as a Love Story: Developing the Mindset for Living, and To Hell and Back…Healing Your Way through Transition. Both books were met with rave reviews on Amazon and elsewhere.
She recently appeared as a guest “worthiness coach” on CBS TV’s award-winning talk show The Doctors and on Sirius FM Radio. Her articles and “tips” on worthiness have also appeared several times in Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper.
She has taught many leading-edge workshops at top spas and wellness centers. She now leads Zoom group coaching programs and is a guest speaker at many related events.
Gail lives a passionate and simple life writing, hiking, connecting in meaningful ways, aligning in joyful collaboration and thriving in nature.