They say it takes a village—not just for raising children, but for pursuing any big goal or personal growth journey. The right people around you can lift you higher, push you to be better, and remind you of your strength. But building a village that truly supports you isn’t about filling your life with just anyone; it’s about being intentional with who you let into your inner circle.
Why the Right Village Matters
Your village can make all the difference in how you handle challenges, celebrate victories, and stay grounded. A supportive village is filled with people who:
Challenge you to grow: They don’t let you settle for less and will push you toward your potential.
Hold you accountable: They remind you of your goals and help you stay on track.
Celebrate without envy: Your wins are their wins, and they’re genuinely happy for you.
Bring positivity and balance: They lift you up instead of adding weight, reminding you to keep perspective and balance.
How to Build Your Village
Define Your Values: Knowing what you value helps you attract people with similar principles and goals. Do you value honesty, hard work, loyalty, kindness? Let these qualities guide who you welcome into your circle.
Seek Mutual Growth: Look for people who are also focused on growth. A growth mindset is contagious, and when you’re surrounded by people who are evolving, it inspires you to keep pushing yourself, too.
Welcome Constructive Honesty: The best people are those who tell you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear. Find people who respect you enough to give feedback with honesty and care.
Prioritize Quality Over Quantity: Your village doesn’t need to be big to be powerful. Sometimes the best village is a close-knit few who have your back unconditionally.
Be the Support You Seek: Remember, building a village is a two-way street. Show up for your people, support them in their goals, and be there in their challenges. The energy you put into your village will come back to you.
Building the Right Village Takes Time
It’s okay if it takes time to find the right people. As you grow and evolve, so will your village. Some people will join, some may drift away, and that’s natural. What matters is that those who stay are aligned with who you are and where you’re going.
So, as you build your village, choose wisely, love deeply, and remember: when you surround yourself with the right people, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish.