Find your tribe and you'll find your mojo

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I remember a story years ago about friends of ours who were invited to a dinner party at the home of work colleagues. On the back of the toilet door was their colleagues’ five year plan. It included their goal for a passive income of X amount of dollars, and the desire to surround themselves with “like-minded” friends.

We all found it curious and to be honest, quite hilarious. Mainly around the idea of displaying your life goals on the back of your toilet door but hey, each to their own. At least it’s a place you actually get five minutes to sit down in contemplative peace.

It’s not so much the area they chose to share their goals, but rather the “like-minded” friends component I’m keen to magnify.

I’ve always thought surrounding ourselves with difference is what keeps things lively and colourful. It opens our minds to new and exciting opportunities and gives us a window into an altered perspective.

However, like-minded people are just as imperative for growth as diversity is. To find a person, or group of people, who think similarly, who celebrate your passion – whether it’s creativity, a love for entrepreneurial escapades, whether it’s people who provide support and understanding of where you are at and where you are headed, whatever their specific role in terms of your development, they are integral to success.

These people are our tribe.

When you first have a baby, mother’s groups congregate, bonding over the common ground of a new baby. Sometimes this is successful, sometimes it’s counterproductive. In my case, I’m lucky to still be friends with some of my mother’s group 12 years on. They offer unwavering support as we all navigate the constant unchartered territory of parenthood.

In business, liaising with people in your industry, or even people who are trying to get a project or a product off the ground, can be invaluable. Not just as a scaffolding for support but as springboards for ideas, as collaborators and cheerleaders.

For me, I am part of writers’ groups. They are my tribe. We encourage each person’s talents, and honestly critique work with the goal for improvement (and admittedly, sometimes moan about the industry). We share knowledge, contacts, networks and the frightening inner workings of our busy, scattered brains.

Finding your tribe can offer you light on those dark days when it all gets too much. When you think you can’t do it, when you are overwhelmed by workload or finances or seemingly insurmountable obstacles, your tribe is who you call on to boost you back up. They are your tribe because they’ve been there. They get it. They get you. And the biggest joy is that you get to return the favour; share your wins, your losses, your lessons and your laughs.

Who’s your tribe?

Kylie

(First appeared: http://www.ausmumpreneur.com/find-your-tribe-and-youll-find-your-mojo/)