Article Contributed by Colleen Slaughter
You are the company you keep. How many times have you heard that one before?
The truth is, if you want to get on the fast track to success, it’s absolutely essential to surround yourself with the right people – a positive “team” that will support you, motivate you, and hold you accountable.
Who’s on Your Team?
Start by evaluating the people in your life – who are you surrounding yourself with? Think about the people in your close circle and consider how they add to (or take away from) your life.
Are there particular people who really seem to motivate you? Are there some who just drain your energy, leaving you feeling worn out after you’ve spent time with them?
If you want to accomplish your goals, you must surround yourself with people who will help – not hinder – your efforts to succeed.
Let Go of Negative Naysayers
We all deal with negativity in our lives. We hear it in the media – after all, drama sells. We hear it in the office, and many of us hear it at home.
Sometimes, the people closest to us unwittingly bring us down. I’m not suggesting that you completely isolate yourself from long-term friends and family members, of course. This is where it becomes extremely important to develop awareness.
Plan how you’ll respond to the negative naysayers in your life. If you can create a distance between the two of you, great. If creating that space isn’t possible right now, practice assertiveness to let the other person know you aren’t willing or able to continue listening to the same negativity again and again.
Build Your Network
If you want to really get ahead – in business and in life – you’ll want to continually build your network. As you develop your own supportive network, you’ll see the immense value others offer.
Here are 3 simple tips to build your network:
- Join organizations that are related to your goals. Professional or trade organizations offer you the chance to connect with others who may be on a similar path as you are. You’ll be able to meet peers to bounce ideas off of, as well as those who are in more advanced positions who may offer you new perspectives you might not have considered.
- Take advantage of educational opportunities. Participate in workshops, seminars, conferences, or other educational classes. The benefit here is twofold: you get to learn something new or expand your skillset, and you get to network with people in your field.
- Harness the power of social media. No list on developing your professional network would be complete without a mention of social media. LinkedIn has redefined the professional networking landscape – people use it for referrals and references, connecting with people in their field, and new introductions.
In the words of Helen Keller, “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.”
About The Author
Colleen Slaughter, founder of Authentic Leadership International, is a proven coach with a remarkable ability to motivate women to cultivate greater authenticity and fulfillment at home and in the workplace. Colleen’s dynamic experience allows her to skillfully guide her clients to navigate roadblocks and develop practical solutions to accomplish both personal and professional goals.