HOW TO CONSCIOUSLY CULTIVATE YOUR COMMUNITY IN BUSINESS & LIFE
Community is defined as a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common; a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals. Common attitudes, interests, and goals! I love this. What a reminder of our influence and decision in who we choose to surround ourselves. The idea that we can consciously cultivate our community is important and a priority in building the life we desire. Whether we are building a business or a social circle, we get to choose. But first, we need to pay attention.
They say we are the average of the 5 people we spend the most time with, think about it, is that true for you? What is your average? Higher or lower than you’d like it to be? The first question we must ask is who and what do we want to attract in our life? Do we want to be the smartest one in the room or do we want to be pushed and challenged by the company we keep? The choice is ours. Be intentional about how and with whom you spend your time. Protect your energy! We can’t give what we don’t have. If we are consistently influenced by negative people in our life, we become the person we want to avoid! Yes, there will always be negative people you can’t entirely avoid and you can limit your exposure and engagement with them too. Do you need to make a courageous decision to cut ties with a toxic relationship that’s in the way of your progress and growth? Have the conversation.
How do you grow and level-up your community? Once we identify what we want to attract in our life we must ask the question of who we need to be to make this a reality. What do we need to contribute, learn, ask? First, look in the areas of your life where you are already showing up. Can you level-up your contribution? What can you offer? How can you support, encourage, and contribute? How can you give rather than take? Maybe you’re striving for growth, identify who you want to become and find a tribe you admire, aspire and are energetically attracted to--you create your community. Is there a new environment you can join through a club, organization, or community group that shares like interests? Where can you volunteer? When you consider your sphere and community, who could you connect to further someone else’s goals?
Take a moment and think about the most influential people in your life. Why were they so influential and impactful? How did they get your attention and admiration? How do they show-up up in the world? How do they show up for you? My guess would be they’re go-givers, they give more than they take. They have a particular mindset and attitude about life that makes you want to listen and learn from them.
People share a universal desire for authentic connection. Be the one who shows-up and consciously contributes to other people’s lives, you’ll be amazed at the community you will cultivate.
