BLOG #07 - Your Support System
We have all been there, before: Trying to get something done, perhaps a major undertaking, and we run out of steam or resources to complete it. The task then lingers until we either make another fateful attempt, on our own, or the goal just dies, on the spot. It is a very common occurrence, and may just be a signal that something is "not for you to accomplish." One thing is universally true: not many things can be successfully and fully done without some level or form of support from a party outside of oneself.
Who have you counted on to achieve some level of success (even if that success is just to survive until you are able to fully realize your goal)? Who have you been a supporter of? When I say "support", I am not limiting the term to mean a financial backer, a counselor, or even a cheerleader. I am speaking of ANY type of assistance you receive, whether mental, physical or spiritual.
Sometimes, this supporter can come in the form of your teacher, who helps to reinforce certain ideals or information in such a way that builds you up from inside. This is the case with spiritual or philosophical teachers. In other instances, it may be the co-worker or peers that have concurrent tasks to be done, and your works jointly create efficacy that keeps you both employed. Again, there is no limit implied, here.
In a martial arts school setting, it may take the form of cooperative training drills, in which two or more students work thru a technique to build it into your individual muscle and physical memory. On a higher level, the instructor's job is to support the growth of each student into his or her best performance and understanding. This is usually done by making sure that the student learns to appreciate certain key elements, such as: discipline, teamwork, respect and the curriculum of the particular art they are training to learn.
In each of these examples, we are given the chance to give and receive support. In life, sometimes your own support can only be gained by supporting others. This is the case in any business, because you are not going to be in business for long if you are not supporting someone else's comfort, happiness or lifestyle.
Are you getting the theme, here?
In a world where it seems people are so much "out for themselves", we keep finding the need and the place for "support" as a way of survival. The problem is that most of us keep that limited perspective of what support really is. We all need that occasional push to better ourselves, and that occasional pick-me-up that may come from people who see our lack or needs. Likewise, I believe that most of us are mentally wired to help those who are the most helpless, in whatever environment we may currently live.
If you look over your life, there are probably certain people who stand out as having influenced you in a very positive way. What about the others who supported you, in whatever small way, as you grew into a better version of yourself (at whatever phase of your life?) Giving credit where it is due, even if only in your own heart, actually creates a certain upswing in the deeper parts of your person.
I challenge you to think about this, and write down all the people who supported you in whatever ways. Then, give yourself some credit, as well: write down all the ways you have supported others. I promise that it will enrich you.
The next step is to acknowledge them, and develop a purposeful plan to maximize that support. This will allow you to propel others as you accelerate the affects of their support to you.
Support… It Keeps You UP At Life.
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