It helps to have someone to turn to for guidance when we have challenging situations and need to hear other views to solve problems. Discussing personal concerns with trusted friends can provide meaningful direction.
We sometimes can’t think things through because we have too many issues that keep us from recognizing what we need to do. For example, fear can cause us to waste time with poor choices.
In that case, we might run in all directions trying to find a foothold or figure out what we need to do. As a result, we lose the ability to stay focused with our goals. Have you ever noticed yourself in that condition?
Success is more achievable when we can collaborate with others. Therefore, maintaining social interactions with good friends benefits your emotional health, happiness, and well-being.
It’s crucial to spend your time wisely — avoiding people who don’t match your values.
When looking for people to be part of your tribe, consider integrity, accountability, and loyalty as their most important attributes. These people can offer advice or give their opinion when needed most.
Emotional stability leads to happiness, and when you are with people who are on the same page, you feel grounded. You’ll have a sense of belonging. That works when you don’t feel swayed by someone else’s perception of you.1
Although the general definition of a tribe is a group of people with a common ancestry, we can use the term to describe a planned social group of friends with similar interests and values.
I learned several crucial steps to create a friendship tribe from an article by Vernice Armour, a professional leadership coach to Fortune 500 executives and entrepreneurs. The following is my takeaway from her article that I felt the strongest about.2
Support can also be found among family members and partners in relationships:
Support From Family Members
Some people say they turn to family for support, usually when they have nowhere else to turn. When one has close family members, they can receive love and understanding from those who know them best.
Family members guide most of us because they have always been there, although that’s not true for everyone.
If that’s the case, where are you getting your energy to survive, guide you, and help make decisions?
Not everyone has the advantage of love and understanding from their family. Without that, they are on their own to deal with life’s issues and decision-making.
If you feel alone with no one to turn to, you can find local groups with an online search that are organized for many specific needs.
Support From Partners in a Relationship
Nothing can come any closer to the contentment we have in our lives when we are with someone who we feel comfortable with, someone we know we can share our innermost feelings and private thoughts.
Therefore, a partner or spouse could be all one needs to confide in when needing personal guidance with making decisions.
Most relationships that endure are those with partners that provide emotional support for one another. That represents more than 90% of long-term relationships.3
Everyone seeks happiness, and it helps to be part of a group. The crucial thing to understand is the difference between your personal tribe and your circle of friends that merely provides a satisfying distraction.
You’ll find it a powerful force to have a connection with like-minded people who share your values and views. Consider this your tribe, and nurture them once you have organized such a group.
I have friends who don’t fit this picture. I don’t envision them having any integrity, and I can’t count on them. They are good people, but they are broken in some way. I respect them for what they are, but I know I cannot consider them part of my tribe.
You probably have friends like that too, and that’s okay. But be careful about considering them for anything crucial in your life. Their lack of loyalty and accountability will disturb you.4
When you have close friends who you know are kind and respectful, it’s nice to enjoy their company and share activities. They may not be the best resource for advice, but they could provide something of value that you would not want to dismiss.
Engage with them on a one-on-one basis. Stay in contact with phone calls and email, and share words of appreciation when you exchange ideas.
Life is too precious to have to struggle with it alone. Especially when anything can suddenly derail you, emotionally or professionally.
That’s why it’s essential to ensure you have the support of people you trust and can turn to when you need to hear someone else’s opinion.
When you have a trusted and respected personal tribe, you’ll always have a place to turn to when you feel the need for support. It’s your anchor that will help keep you grounded.
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