"You are the sum of the people you spend the most amount of time with."
I forget where exactly I first heard this old adage, but the truth it communicates is a timeless one -- the people you bring into your inner circle, for better or for worse, are reflections of yourself and your values. Having friends is one of life's many joys, and the company we keep can enrich our lives, help us through tough times, and influence us in ways both big and small.
This is especially important when we consider just how negative the world can be at times, and even in my own circle, some of that noise and negativity can really put a damper on my motivation and mindset. And yet, finding strength and wisdom in my closest relationships has helped pull me through these moments, handling them with confidence and renewed perspective.
I'm so grateful for the support system I've developed, and in the spirit of appreciating my wonderful network of my favorite people, I'd like to dedicate today's blog topic towards how building a supportive tribe helps you cultivate a positive, confident mindset.
The Importance of a Positive Support System for Mental Health
Friends make life fun, and you don't have to be a scientist to implicitly know that having a network of supportive, positive individuals can make all the difference when navigating life’s many challenges. Psychological research shows that social support is a key factor in maintaining positive mental health, reducing stress, and even enhancing physical health.
It helps us see things as being less scary or daunting, and enables us to tackle obstacles with a newfound sense of hope and increased energy.
Positive, supportive relationships can:
- Boost your mood and self-esteem.
- Provide encouragement and motivation during difficult times.
- Offer valuable feedback and guidance to help you grow.
- Create a sense of belonging and security.
When you build and nurture your positive support system, you create a foundation for resilience, happiness, and personal growth. Simply spending time with those that support you creates a sense of belonging, one of the most important drives that human beings have -- your support network truly does reaffirm your inner strength.
Identifying and Surrounding Yourself with Positive People
It's very important to craft your tribe with people who are uplifting and that you enjoy being around. The tricky part is that, unfortunately, not everyone you encounter will contribute to a positive and supportive environment. This doesn't mean that you should only aim to meet people who will become your best friends for life, but rather, that it is important to remember that not everyone is meant to be in your inner circle.
And again, there's nothing wrong with having relationships that aren't as deep and resonant as those that you have with your best friends, but it’s crucial to be intentional about the people you allow into your inner circle.
To build your tribe with supportive people, it is helpful to:
- Identify positive influences in your everyday life: Seek out people who uplift, encourage, and inspire you, aka those that "fill your cup".
Whether it’s your close friends, trusted family members, mentors, or close colleagues, prioritize spending time with those who align with your values and goals. These influences provide a sense of accountability and motivation to make positive changes. - Let go of toxic relationships that do not serve you: Recognize when certain relationships drain your energy or bring frequent negativity into your life.
This doesn't always have to mean a complete dissolution of the relationship -- it is perfectly healthy to set boundaries or distance yourself from individuals who hinder your growth, even if the person is "fun," or, "exciting" to be around. Fun and positivity are not always the same thing, and not everyone is meant to join you on your journey towards reaching your dreams. - Build new connections: Expanding your circle often means taking new risks and embarking on new adventures. Be open to joining groups or communities where like-minded, positive individuals gather, and try to have an optimistic attitude. Lifelong friendships are often formed in some of the most surprising, unexpected places.
You could seek out these places through professional organizations, hobbies, or even online communities. - Nurture your existing close relationships: Make time for the people who matter most; no matter how busy our lives can become with how fast things move nowadays, making time to hang out with our loved ones is important. Genuine support requires effort and reciprocity, and too much time apart leaves relationships feeling stale and distant.
Surrounding yourself with positive people takes intention and sometimes a bit of hard work, but the rewards are worth every effort.
Prioritizing Self-Care for a Positive Mindset
While building a supportive tribe is essential, maintaining a positive mindset starts from within -- it's impossible to craft a strong social support system if you are struggling to radiate positive energy on your own.
Many factors contribute to forging healthy social support groups, but taking care of your mental, emotional, and physical well-being allows you to bring your best self to your relationships, first and foremost.
The ways you choose to prioritize self-care are unique and personal, but some good starting points may include:
- Practicing gratitude: Regularly acknowledging what you are thankfulfor can improve your mood and outlook on life and reduce stress. It can even be something small like simply being thankful for drinking glass, your tennis shoes, or your favorite pillow.
- Developing healthy habits: Regular exercise, nutritious eating, and adequate sleep contribute to emotional stability and positivity, and forming one healthy habit can often motivate us to pursue even more!
- Engaging in mindfulness practices: Meditation, journaling, or simply taking time to reflect can help you stay grounded and resilient, especially if you are in a high-speed career where a single moment of peace is hard to come by during the workday.
- Pursuing your passions: Make time for activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. This could be creating art, engaging in your hobbies, or meeting up with others who share the same interests.
Self-care isn’t selfish -- it’s necessary, believe me. When you feel your best, you attract positivity and radiate it to those around you.
Overcoming Obstacles to Building a Support System
Creating a positive tribe doesn’t always come easily, and the process often forces us to identify and overcome the roots of possible negative self-talk and self-doubt.
Obstacles such as tough past experiences, fear of rejection, or busy schedules can interfere with your efforts to engage with others on a deeper, supportive level.
Strategies for overcoming these obstacles and challenges can include:
- Challenging negative beliefs when they appear: Recognize and challenge unhelpful or self-deprecating thoughts that may be holding you back from building meaningful connections with positive people.
- Be open and vulnerable: A support system is one where you feel most safe in letting others in, and that's only possible if you are willing to be open with your emotions. Opening up to others and sharing your authentic self fosters trust and deeper connections, especially when you need support during tough times.
- Schedule time for connection: Busy lives can make it difficult to nurture relationships and build a strong support network, but it's important to make time for those that we expect to make time for us. Set aside dedicated time for friends, family, or networking, and recognize that it's an important "need," in your life.
- Be patient with yourself: Building a supportive tribe takes time, like many great things, and it's rare to see major change immediately. Trust the process and remain committed to surrounding yourself with uplifting people.
Remember, quality matters more than quantity -- some folks wake up one day and realize that they may have many friends, but very few cherished loved ones. Even a small circle of uplifting, trusted people can make a big difference in your life.
Conclusion
Building a supportive tribe of positive, uplifting individuals can transform your life and enable you to achieve things you never thought possible. Identifying those who inspire you, letting go of negativity, prioritizing self-care, and fostering meaningful connections fosters an environment where positivity thrives.
And never forget that positivity is contagious; the more you send it out to the universe, the more you'll see it reflected back into your spirit. When you surround yourself with it, you become a beacon of inspiration for others, creating a cycle of support and growth for those around you.
Start building your tribe today, and watch as your life becomes richer, more fulfilling, and ultimately, richer than ever before.