Support isn’t just something we need; it’s something we all deserve. Life is too challenging and rewarding to navigate solo. The most successful people have mastered both asking for help and offering it in return. Support isn’t just a safety net—it’s a catalyst that creates courage, strengthens confidence, and fosters growth.
So, how do you build a network of encouragement that moves you forward, especially when fear and doubt threaten to hold you back? By being intentional about how you give and receive support.
How to Receive Support
Asking for help can feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s actually a gift to both parties. When you invite someone to support you, you’re allowing them to make a meaningful contribution to your life—a gift that comes full circle when you let them know how much their encouragement means.
Here’s the key: when someone supports you, they’re not doing the work for you. They’re there to remind you of your strengths, especially when you’re feeling stuck in your doubts.
They’ll challenge you—not by agreeing with excuses or allowing your self-doubt but by holding you accountable to your dreams and potential. They’ll remind you why your goals matter, even when you’re tempted to quit.
To strengthen this bolster this support, consider sharing the specific ways you hold yourself back when things get tough. For example, do you procrastinate, avoid difficult conversations, or shy away from big opportunities? Let your support person know what to look out for so they can gently call you out when needed. Their role isn’t to criticize—it’s to keep you aligned with the version of yourself you want to become.
How to Give Support
Supporting someone else is about more than cheering them on—it’s about truly seeing them for who they are and what they are capable of.
When you support someone, you’re recognizing their journey as their own unique path. You honor their courage, even when they doubt themselves. You see their desire to grow, contribute, and create a life they love.
Your role isn’t to fix their challenges or offer all the answers—it’s to remind them that they already have the wisdom and strength they need to find their way forward. Think of yourself as a trusted travel companion. You’re walking beside them, offering encouragement, insight, and perspective, while staying rooted in your own journey, too.
The Transformative Power of Connection
Support changes everything. When you allow yourself to lean on others and offer your support in return, you reach a level of ease and possibility that’s hard to achieve alone.
You don’t have to muscle through life on your own. Support is all around you—friends, family, mentors, and even colleagues can become partners in your growth. It’s as simple as asking and offering.
Consider:
Who in your life could you ask for support right now? And who might need your support in return?
Taking the time to strengthen these connections will not only propel you forward—it’ll deepen your relationships and create opportunities for growth on both sides.
Are you ready to take the next step? Let’s talk about how coaching can help you tap into the support and accountability you need to go after your biggest goals. Book a free consultation today, and let’s explore what’s possible.
Reminder: as part of the benefits offered at Logan Health, employees get free coaching sessions. You can book a coaching session here.
Or, if you are not a Logan Health Employee, you can book a consultation to learn how to work with me here.
P.P.S. Liked what you read? Join my email list, where I dive deeper into these concepts and teach you HOW to put them into practice in your everyday life. And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram (@christineseager_) or Facebook (@seager.christine), where I share both teaching moments and real-life examples of this work in action.