Support Systems - Part 2
Part 1 looked at support systems in terms of things that can support either towards goals or on a daily basis to make things easier or more productive. Technology and things you can do on your own are great forms of support, ways to manage yourself, and keep yourself accountable. There are also ways to process your thoughts on your own such as journaling, however vocalizing thoughts and working through them with someone can bring a lot of clarity. Other people as a form of support offers that human factor, which is not replicable in other forms.
Some examples of when that human skill is not replaceable, could be where there is a requirement for listening, empathy, creativity, connection, understanding, looking at things differently, shifting mindset or perspective, or even just the ability to share with someone in a non-judgmental environment. Some of these aspects you may be lucky enough to have people in your life who do this instinctively, others you might have to ask for, find someone to mentor you, or join a group focused on a specific area. It could also be that you require people with specific skills that you employ to advise, consult, teach, or coach you.
Some steps to identify:
· What do I need?
· Why is that important?
· What is missing?
· How can I bridge that gap?
· Who can support me?
· How can they support me?
· Is it reasonable to ask them for this?
· Is there another or an addition form of support for this?
· How will I put this into place, specifically how will I ask for this?
It could also be that these support systems look different at different times in your life, either because of changes, different goals, or challenging situations. What is important is that it supports you and your needs, and ultimately works for you.
Support systems, both as people and things, can helps us be more resilient, manage difficult situations, and achieve goals. They can also be part of our wellbeing, even if they can be difficult to ask for.
What support systems do you have in place?