People talk about setting up support systems when they embark on a new path, such as making dietary and lifestyle changes or starting a business.

While a support system is important, your first line of support should be yourself. If you’re not taking care of you first, then no one else can do much to help. #toughlove

There may come a time in your life, however, either personally or professionally, where it can be in your best interest to seek the guidance and support of a professional.

As unique humans, we all have different needs from those who we turn to for support.

Maybe you need someone to keep you on track or someone to tell you that you can do this!

That support could come from a Health Coach, holistic healthcare practitioner, medical doctor, accountant, counselor, psychologist, babysitter or nanny, business coach, attorney, personal trainer, receptionist, or any other professional.

When you are clear in the roles that you need filled and understand what kind of support system you are looking to build, follow these steps to ensure that you create mutually productive and therapeutic relationships.

HOW TO CREATE A ROCK SOLID SUPPORT SYSTEM

As we mentioned before, you might need support in leaving your secure, full-time job to pursue your passion of becoming a Health Coach.

Or maybe, you’re looking to take your business to the next level, and you need a business coach to support you!

Or perhaps, you’re looking to lose weight, minimize stress, or leave an unhealthy relationship. No matter what changes you have on the horizon, a support system is a surefire way to find strength and courage in others (because sometimes it’s hard to find it alone).

Here are 5 steps in building a rock solid support system.

1. GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION

Permit yourself to search for the right match for your personal and professional needs.

If you’re a coach looking for a coach, know that all the bests have a coach of their own. Nobody will judge you for hiring a coach.

In fact, investing in yourself is one of the most empowering things you can do!

2. IDENTIFY WHO WOULD BEST FILL THE ROLES

Take a look at who is available to fill the needed roles! This may include:

• Family
• Friends
• Colleagues
• Support Staff
• Professionals (i.e., accountant, doctor, counselor, attorney, etc.)
• Coaches
• Support Groups
• Pastor, rabbi, or other support

Maybe you know this person, or perhaps you don’t. Either way, look around, ask around, and see who would be a good fit for your journey.

3. TALK WITH AN EXPERT

Talk with the professional person about your beliefs, values, and hopes that you have for your personal and/or professional growth.

Consider the following questions when choosing a professional to work with:

• Is the person listening with full attention and not distracted with other things going on?
• Is the person treating you with respect?
• Does the individual answer questions without impatience?
• Does the individual return calls/emails?
• Do they explain things clearly?
• Do they have the training and experience to meet your needs?

It’s okay to interview a professional that you may end up working with. Set your standards high and trust that you will find the perfect match — if not right away, you will eventually!

4. INVITE THE EXPERT

When you feel you have found the right match (which we know you will!), invite the person you are seeking services from to work with you as your skills develop and you grow personally and professionally.

It’s important that both sides feel it’s a good fit — this will ensure maximum growth and communication!

5. AVOID THE NAYSAYERS

You’re bound to find one of these along the way!

Avoid the people who tell you all the reasons why it can’t be done or that you can’t do it. There is no place in your life for negative attitudes and outlooks.

Sometimes they have great intentions and want to protect you from failing, but failure is how you learn and grow.

It’s not up to them to take that away from you, despite having the best of intentions.

6. AVOID THE “FIXERS”

Fixers are those people who are always on your side.

They don’t want you to feel bad, so they attempt to “fix” things for you. These people are wonderful for making you feel great about yourself, but they’re not helpful in supporting you in reaching your goals.

The people you want instead are those who say, “That must be hard for you to feel. I’m here for you. How can I best support you?”

Look for those who support you, hear you, but give you the power to take the next step towards your goals and dreams.

7. REMEMBER TO TAKE TIME TO GET GROUNDED

You need to take time to center, get grounded, and find renewal in personally and professionally satisfying ways.

When you feel refreshed and rejuvenated, you have greater resources to bring to the table and can be more productive and accomplish more in the work you do with the professional or person who is supporting you.

IN CONCLUSION

Building a community and a support system is essential for anything and everything you do.

Make a point to build a strong one over time, and remember that it might take time to build a really solid support system!

Do you have a support system?

Often times, you’ll find the best support system in a community of like-minded individuals — like our Student Community!

Many of our students bind together to create a strong and supportive community! Want to learn more about becoming part of our amazing, supportive Institute of Transformational Nutrition family?

Head here to find out how you can become part of our tribe!