Video lesson
No one is an island. There’s strength in numbers. Two heads are better than one. Whatever your preferred cliché, overcoming obstacles happens by having the right people by your side.
Reflection questions
Take some time to identify a few of the key players who can help you through whatever real-life adversity you’re facing.
- Who do you know who can provide you with motivation? Expertise? Beneficial distraction? A listening ear?
- On the flip side, who’s getting in your way of achieving your goals? Be mindful of the naysayers, the ones putting up roadblocks or negative people draining your mojo.
Exercise: Build your team
Start building your team by filling out this chart.
- In the first column, identify all the types of support you’ll need on your team.
- In the next column, list the individual or individuals who could fill those roles. If you’ve identified an important role but don’t have a team member in mind for it, leave that cell blank or put a question mark in it.
- In the third column, add any relevant notes or next steps related to each team member.
This exercise will help you visualize the importance of teamwork but also identify current gaps on your team.
Here’s a sample chart to give you an idea of what yours might look like. In this example, the goal is to finish haying the north field by the end of the week.
Tools and tips from around the web
How Social Support Contributes to Psychological Health
Social and Emotional Support and its Implication for Health
Social Support and Resilience to Stress
The Role of Social Support for Health and Wellbeing
Developing your support system
Social support: Tap this tool to beat stress
Manage stress: Strengthen your support network
Social Support: How can I build my own social support networks?
Building Social Support Networks
How to Create Social Support in Your Life
