How Family and Friends Can Help Escalate Your Success
By Dr. Deborah Musso
If you’ve ever tried to lose weight, save money, or make some other important change in your life, you probably know how crucial it is to have a team of supporters cheering you along the way. Trying to follow through on a serious commitment without getting your friends and family on board is like trying to eat healthier without first throwing out the junk food—it just won’t work!
Whether you’ve been one of Dr. Musso’s Success Coaching for Empowered Living members or you’re just loading up on information, you’re guaranteed to learn something from Dr. Deb that will inspire both big and small changes in your life. Take the following steps and build your very own team of supporters right now to ensure that you will absolutely achieve even your most ambitious outcomes!
1. Share your new goals with friends and family, and explain how each will improve your life (and maybe even theirs!).
How can you expect your friends and family to support your decision if they don't understand it? Explain to your loved ones where you feel you are in the area of your life you're hoping to change and where you ultimately want to be. Then give them your reasons for making the life change, and explain to them what you will gain through your commitment. Your reasons may be compelling enough to persuade them to join you!
2. Pay it forward: Encourage your friends and family to share in your journey or begin their own.
Your chances for sticking to your commitment are much greater when those closest to you are committed to achieving the same goal. If you’re starting a new fitness plan, for example, invite a friend to join you on your walks. Together you’ll stay motivated to achieve more, and you’ll have a lot more fun in the process
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Or, pay the gift you’ve received forward. Think about an area of life your friend or family member could improve upon. Does he or she need to work on an intimate relationship? finances? sense of celebration and contribution? As a caring friend or family member, explain to your loved one why you think he or she needs this transformation. Then make a mutual commitment to see each other through these life-altering decisions.
3. Share your successes—big or small!
Keep your friends and family updated on your progress to make them feel like part of your team. Tell them about the smaller gains as well as the bigger triumphs—even incremental wins are worth noting! By including them in the process, you will show them how their support has helped you get from where you were to where you want to be.
4. Thank your friends and family for their support.
Let them know how much it will help you. Ask them to hold you accountable as you work toward your goals, and offer to do the same for them. By approaching your friends and family from a place of gratitude, you are showing them how much they truly mean to you, ultimately creating an enduring network of support.
Involving your friends and family not only provides you with a built-in support system, but it also gives you an opportunity to inspire change in their lives. Include your loved ones in your transformation, and help them experience the same joy and fulfillment that your new changes will bring to you!
Yours in Wellness,
Dr. Deborah Musso, Director
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