“You’re like that one true friend who will tell you, ‘yes, you do look fat in those jeans.’ Someone said this to me the other day. While I have never told anyone they are fat, it’s one of the best compliments I’ve been given. We all need those people in our lives who will help us see true north, even if it isn’t pleasant. A support system who won’t lie to us and, more importantly, won’t let us lie to ourselves.

This is my philosophy as a Change Consultant and Performance Coach. I can’t make a change for you. I can, however, be the person who will hold you accountable, nudge you towards action and results, and help you see the things about yourself that might be holding you back from achieving your goals. Change is all about the journey.

Who in your life can you count on to tell you the truth, even if it isn’t pleasant?

Note that this type of critical feedback is not the same as being mean or malicious. You don’t want people who constantly put you down, question, or dismiss your vision – you want people who support you and provide you with honest opinions to set you up for success.

Do you have this type of network of support? If not, what actions can you take to start building it?

A move in this direction doesn’t need to be drastic. You don’t need to cut off fun-time friends who don’t offer critical feedback or disown that crazy uncle who makes jokes at your expense. You don’t even need to invest in a coaching experience or retreat.

Instead, simply start providing this valuable support to your social circle and ask for it in return. You’ll be surprised at the power modeling behavior has on groups of people. When Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world,” he knew what he was talking about.

As you evaluate your support system, here are some questions to ask yourself:

  • What kind of support network do you need as you are working toward your goals?
  • Are you currently in a place where you can accept and welcome honest, constructive feedback?
  • Do you have what you need from your current circle of friends, family, and coworkers?
  • Outside of your current network, where can you go to get this type of support?

Nobody gets where they’re going all by themselves. Lean on your support system to bolster, embolden, and keep you on track. Or call us – we will always tell you the truth!