Creating a Support System

When I set out to blog on a daily basis, and to make changes to other areas of my life in the ensuing weeks and months, I know that I had to have support.  It’s something I tell my clients on a regular basis. 

My mentor, Thomas Leonard, along with his R&D team (which I was a part of) created the 15 Frameworks which are paradigms that people can come from. One of those was Self-confidence can be arranged.  That paradigm of arranging to get what you need can be extended to other parts of life to get what you need, whether it’s support, self-confidence, love or acknowledgement.  It’s about not relying on yourself–or chance–to get what you need.  Instead, you can set up the support structures you need, and design the situations that will help support the changes you want to make.

In this case, I designed two environments:  1) I went public on my blog, and 2) I emailed a number of friends and asked for their help in several ways:

“First, I’d like your support.  That can come in the way of emails, an “atta girl” message, or any way you see fit to encourage/nudge me along. Second, I would love it if you’d comment (on my blog), and/or join me in the challenge (on your blog)”

The same thing can be done when you’re looking for more love or acknowledgement.  Just decide what it is you want and need, and who you want and need it from.  Then let those people know exactly what you want, and how often. 

That can look like telling your family members that you need to have them tell you how much they love you each day, and even providing them with the words you need to hear.  Or it might be telling your boss and co-workers how you would like to be acknowledged.   

This might feel funny at first, but as everyone gets into the request, you’ll find that everyone genuinely enjoys supporting you, and you’ll enjoy the results.  I know I do!