We often think of self-improvement as a solitary process. That we do it alone.
It’s not.
Self-improvement is a social process. We need others alongside us on our journey.
According to decades of research (and I would add, the collective wisdom of a millennia of human existence), humans have three fundamental needs that must be met in order to flourish. Think of them as psychological nutrients we must regularly “consume” or experience:
- Autonomy – making self-initiated decisions regarding our life
- Competence – the feeling of becoming really good at something that is meaningful to us
- Connectedness – giving and receiving support
It is the last one – giving and receiving support to and from others – that we often neglect, and it keeps us from reaching our full potential.
We are at our best when we are experiencing life together. The best journey’s are always those we share with others.
Who’s walking with you?
Who’s on your team?
Who is helping you lean fearlessly, forward in your quest to grow, learn, and love?
If you are not currently giving and receiving support from positive and caring people, now is the time to start.
Ask a friend, partner, or co-worker to join you; go to a meet-up group of people with a similar interests; take up yoga; join a faith-based community. Get a coach.
Whatever you choose, make it workable with your schedule, personality, and goals.
Your future depends upon it.
