Perhaps you have heard the popular references to the “self-made man or woman”. These are individuals who have s omehow single-handedly managed to achieve ultimate success. In fact, the famous phrase, “to pull one self up by ones own bootstraps” alludes to not only self-made success but also a solitary one.  Have you considered that there is no such thing as a solitary journey to success? Can anyone honestly say that they achieved success on their own? No one ever offered them an opportunity? No one ever showed them how to do anything? No one ever encouraged them? Is it possible to put oneself on a journey towards success and not have one single relationship? 

 

 The saying, “No man is an island, entire of itself”, penned by John Donne centuries ago is true, even today. No matter how we advance technologically: we need people; and needing people means that we will have to be in relationships with them. But, the truth is that relationships can make or break us. Good relationships make us better persons, bad relationships keep us in states of personal stagnation. If we are serious about success in 2011 we need to find ways to establish healthy relationships.

 

Healthy relationships help to support and encourage us on our journey and become our support network.  Perhaps your goal in 2011 is to lose weight, to get out of debt, to buy a car, to go back to school, or to apply for a promotion. Whatever those goals might be, you need the support and encouragement of a network of positive people who will have your back.  Immigrant groups in the USA such as: Latinos, Africans and Asians are well-known for their networking power. Once one gets a job or finds an opportunity that will benefit others, he or she will make it known. This is the reason why immigrants are such a powerful force to reckon with. Not only are they large in number but they have effectively mastered the art of social support.

 

Thus, our support network must be comprised of the right relationships. It is important that you carefully build your support network. Let me propose that your support network will determine not only the height of your success but also its longevity.  Experience has taught me that more than money, a carefully crafted network with a mix of friends and connections is the best support you can have for success.

 

As you continue to hike your way toward accomplishing the goals you have planned for 2011, it is critical that you build a support network for success. The following 5 levels of relationships should form part of this network:

1. God -- This is the most important connection in your network. Even if all other relationships fail the strength of your connection with your faith will keep you focused. Some people develop this connection via memberships within a specific community of faith, while others choose to have daily personal moments of spiritual reflection, and others need a combination of both. This relationship is of utmost importance for it builds the foundation for other levels.
2. A life coach or a mentor- Often there are misperceptions as to the functions of a life coach or a mentor, but having at least one in your network can be critical to achieving success. A life coach will keep you focused and help you strategize plans to achieve your goals. A mentor is someone who has been there before you and can offer practical advise. Investing money in a life coach or seeking the help of a mentor can considerably increase your chances of faster success.
3. Trustworthy friends – Contrary to popular belief, this circle must be small. It is critical that you identify 2-5 trustworthy and positive persons whom you know without a doubt will be in your corner. They will become your personal cheerleaders. You must feel secure to go to them at any time. If you succeed they will celebrate with you and if you fail they will encourage you to get keep trying.
4. Partners and associates – These are people with whom you will establish communal relationship. They have the same goals but they are not necessarily your friends. They should be people who are driven and have the same goals.
5.  Networking Circle – These are people who you know socially, and who have specialized skills or connections that are helpful to you. There is a quid pro quo relationship inherent to networking: ‘I do for you and you do for me’. You should always be able to trade services or skills with this group of acquaintances.

Start building your support network carefully. This support network can serve as the force behind the achievement of your goals in 2011.

 

Copyright Ó 2011 by Norka Blackman-Richards

Norka Blackman-Richards is an educator, a writer and an empowerment speaker on women, education, diversity and generational issues. She is the Chief Editor of Empowerment 4 Real Women, the Founder and CEO of 4 Real Women International, Inc., and the Global Developer for The Global Community for Change. She teaches for CUNY at Queens College. 

 

 

Perhaps you have heard the popular references to the “self-made man or woman”. These are individuals who have somehow single-handedly managed to achieve ultimate success. In fact, the famous phrase, “to pull one self up by ones own bootstraps” alludes to not only self-made success but also a solitary one.  Have you considered that there is no such thing as a solitary journey to success? Can anyone honestly say that they achieved success on their own? No one ever offered them an opportunity? No one ever showed them how to do anything? No one ever encouraged them? Is it possible to put oneself on a journey towards success and not have one single relationship?

 

The saying, “No man is an island, entire of itself”, penned by John Donne centuries ago is true, even today. No matter how we advance technologically: we need people; and needing people means that we will have to be in relationships with them. But, the truth is that relationships can make or break us. Good relationships make us better persons, bad relationships keep us in states of personal stagnation. If we are serious about success in 2011 we need to find ways to establish healthy relationships.

 

Healthy relationships help to support and encourage us on our journey and become our support network.  Perhaps your goal in 2011 is to lose weight, to get out of debt, to buy a car, to go back to school, or to apply for a promotion. Whatever those goals might be, you need the support and encouragement of a network of positive people who will have your back.  Immigrant groups in the USA such as: Latinos, Africans and Asians are well-known for their networking power. Once one gets a job or finds an opportunity that will benefit others, he or she will make it known. This is the reason why immigrants are such a powerful force to reckon with. Not only are they large in number but they have effectively mastered the art of social support.

 

Thus, our support network must be comprised of the right relationships. It is important that you carefully build your support network. Let me propose that your support network will determine not only the height of your success but also its longevity.  Experience has taught me that more than money, a carefully crafted network with a mix of friends and connections is the best support you can have for success.

 

As you continue to hike your way toward accomplishing the goals you have planned for 2011, it is critical that you build a support network for success. The following 5 levels of relationships should form part of this network:

1. God -- This is the most important connection in your network. Even if all other relationships fail the strength of your connection with your faith will keep you focused. Some people develop this connection via memberships within a specific community of faith, while others choose to have daily personal moments of spiritual reflection, and others need a combination of both. This relationship is of utmost importance for it builds the foundation for other levels.
2. A life coach or a mentor- Often there are misperceptions as to the functions of a life coach or a mentor, but having at least one in your network can be critical to achieving success. A life coach will keep you focused and help you strategize plans to achieve your goals. A mentor is someone who has been there before you and can offer practical advise. Investing money in a life coach or seeking the help of a mentor can considerably increase your chances of faster success.
3. Trustworthy friends – Contrary to popular belief, this circle must be small. It is critical that you identify 2-5 trustworthy and positive persons whom you know without a doubt will be in your corner. They will become your personal cheerleaders. You must feel secure to go to them at any time. If you succeed they will celebrate with you and if you fail they will encourage you to get keep trying.
4. Partners and associates – These are people with whom you will establish communal relationship. They have the same goals but they are not necessarily your friends. They should be people who are driven and have the same goals.
5. Networking Circle – These are people who you know socially, and who have specialized skills or connections that are helpful to you. There is a quid pro quo relationship inherent to networking: ‘I do for you and you do for me’. You should always be able to trade services or skills with this group of acquaintances.

Start building your support network carefully. This support network can serve as the force behind the achievement of your goals in 2011.

 

Copyright Ó 2011 by Norka Blackman-Richards

Norka Blackman-Richards is an educator, a writer and an empowerment speaker on women, education, diversity and generational issues. She is the Chief Editor of Empowerment 4 Real Women, the Founder and CEO of 4 Real Women International, Inc., and the Global Developer for The Global Community for Change. She teaches for CUNY at Queens College. 

 

Perhaps you have heard the popular references to the “self-made man or woman”. These are individuals who have somehow single-handedly managed to achieve ultimate success. In fact, the famous phrase, “to pull one self up by ones own bootstraps” alludes to not only self-made success but also a solitary one.  Have you considered that there is no such thing as a solitary journey to success? Can anyone honestly say that they achieved success on their own? No one ever offered them an opportunity? No one ever showed them how to do anything? No one ever encouraged them? Is it possible to put oneself on a journey towards success and not have one single relationship?

 

The saying, “No man is an island, entire of itself”, penned by John Donne centuries ago is true, even today. No matter how we advance technologically: we need people; and needing people means that we will have to be in relationships with them. But, the truth is that relationships can make or break us. Good relationships make us better persons, bad relationships keep us in states of personal stagnation. If we are serious about success in 2011 we need to find ways to establish healthy relationships.

 

Healthy relationships help to support and encourage us on our journey and become our support network.  Perhaps your goal in 2011 is to lose weight, to get out of debt, to buy a car, to go back to school, or to apply for a promotion. Whatever those goals might be, you need the support and encouragement of a network of positive people who will have your back.  Immigrant groups in the USA such as: Latinos, Africans and Asians are well-known for their networking power. Once one gets a job or finds an opportunity that will benefit others, he or she will make it known. This is the reason why immigrants are such a powerful force to reckon with. Not only are they large in number but they have effectively mastered the art of social support.

 

Thus, our support network must be comprised of the right relationships. It is important that you carefully build your support network. Let me propose that your support network will determine not only the height of your success but also its longevity.  Experience has taught me that more than money, a carefully crafted network with a mix of friends and connections is the best support you can have for success.

 

As you continue to hike your way toward accomplishing the goals you have planned for 2011, it is critical that you build a support network for success. The following 5 levels of relationships should form part of this network:

1. God -- This is the most important connection in your network. Even if all other relationships fail the strength of your connection with your faith will keep you focused. Some people develop this connection via memberships within a specific community of faith, while others choose to have daily personal moments of spiritual reflection, and others need a combination of both. This relationship is of utmost importance for it builds the foundation for other levels.
2. A life coach or a mentor- Often there are misperceptions as to the functions of a life coach or a mentor, but having at least one in your network can be critical to achieving success. A life coach will keep you focused and help you strategize plans to achieve your goals. A mentor is someone who has been there before you and can offer practical advise. Investing money in a life coach or seeking the help of a mentor can considerably increase your chances of faster success.
3. Trustworthy friends – Contrary to popular belief, this circle must be small. It is critical that you identify 2-5 trustworthy and positive persons whom you know without a doubt will be in your corner. They will become your personal cheerleaders. You must feel secure to go to them at any time. If you succeed they will celebrate with you and if you fail they will encourage you to get keep trying.
4. Partners and associates – These are people with whom you will establish communal relationship. They have the same goals but they are not necessarily your friends. They should be people who are driven and have the same goals.
5. Networking Circle – These are people who you know socially, and who have specialized skills or connections that are helpful to you. There is a quid pro quo relationship inherent to networking: ‘I do for you and you do for me’. You should always be able to trade services or skills with this group of acquaintances.

Start building your support network carefully. This support network can serve as the force behind the achievement of your goals in 2011.

 

Copyright Ó 2011 by Norka Blackman-Richards

Norka Blackman-Richards is an educator, a writer and an empowerment speaker on women, education, diversity and generational issues. She is the Chief Editor of Empowerment 4 Real Women, the Founder and CEO of 4 Real Women International, Inc., and the Global Developer for The Global Community for Change. She teaches for CUNY at Queens College.