Community Growth Mindset

Self Development & Growing Together

The concept of the growth mindset usually comes with ideas of wealth, self development, and building a legacy. Community growth or collective advancement is a natural extension and physical manifestation of nurturing these ideas. For instance, as we mature we realize that building a legacy takes more than time, money, and energy. It also requires a strong and reliable network of people that we call our inner circle, community, and support system including visionaries, hard workers, organizers, etc. With this in mind, building a legacy expands from a concept of making a name for oneself into and an evolution of cultivating healthy relationships. As we grow as an individuals our communities should be growing with us! So, what does your current community, inner circle, ride or die, support system look like? Do you have more than one group to turn to for advice, encouragement, and deep connection regarding the various areas of your life? Also, are you growing together and is there a balance in each relationship dynamic with your friends, family, coworkers, fans, fitness groups, hobby buddies, etc.

Take A Look At The Company You Keep

Everyone is different when it comes down the kind of relationships a person needs to flourish. Contemplate what type of characteristics you have and what personality types that complement and/or challenge your own. Are you predominately introvert, extrovert, or mostly balanced between the two? Do you favor moving around and traveling often or do you side more towards remaining in one location for a long period of time? These questions can help us re-evaluate the company that we keep and assist us in growing with our communities as we evolve individually. For me, my tribe remains small with purpose. I can count my ride or die folks on the 10 digits between my two hands and I'm grateful for this. Though I can relate to the concept of 'the world is my family' I tend to thrive in small groups and I prefer intimate settings. Naturally, my people are diverse and eclectic including friends and family with different backgrounds from all around the world. Because of the diversity and eclectic nature of my support system, they naturally encourage me to get out of my comfort zone physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. My folks remind me to continue being a dreamer while remaining grounded and practical as I embark on my self development journey. Simultaneously, they encourage me as I discover and rediscover the bliss of connecting and growing with others. I am forever grateful for this reminder and this special gift! Speaking of gifts, what do you offer your community and what does your community offer you? Considering this question can help you determine if you and your inner circle are growing together. It may even determine that you have more than one support group if you didn't already know this. I personally have noticed that my conversation topics and life mini missions change depending on what support group I'm connecting with. For instance, I have specific friends and family that come to mind when I move forward with artsy endeavors. Just recently two dear friends of mine have connected with me to work on separate creative projects. Both ventures involve creative writing and public speaking with the intention to broaden the perspective of mindfulness for everyday folks like you and me. Both projects are also designed to highlight the benefits of energy awareness through natural healing principles and practices. Of course, I hope to share more details with you soon. For now just know that we're brewing something really good! I plan to link the fruits of our labor on this site so that you can stay in the loop. In the meantime, you can check out the tips and journal questions below. May they help you can continue to be successful in cultivating your own version of the community growth mindset.

How To Grow With Your People

You can remain steadfast on the journey towards individual growth and transformation while simultaneously creating a legacy with your community for collective expansion. Below are some tips from leader and motivational speaker, Lisa Nichols, on how to create and cultivate healthy relationships with your family, friends, and coworkers:

1. Create Your Community: “What do I mean by community? It's a group of like-minded forward thinking and evolved people who are invested in seeing you prosper‒not so much financially invested, but physically, energetically, and emotionally invested, for sure. Your wins (and those of others in the community) reassure everyone that they're aligned with winners‒and your achievements help them feel more hopeful and joyous about their own future, too." (Nichols & Switzer, 2016, p. 135)

2. Evolve Those Around You: “Find ways to inspire your community to grow‒whether it's attending personal growth seminars or reading the same self-help books you read. It might be asking them to join you for coaching sessions or asking them to go through a training course with you. It might mean you'll need to work with them to help them plan their own breathtaking future. Whatever method you choose to inspire them, be intentional and proactive about inspiring them to grow.” (Nichols & Switzer, 2016, p. 161)

3. Nurture Foundational Relationships: “Nurturing these foundational relationships is not something that happens by accident. It's intentional. You have to set aside time and focus to connect, support, and celebrate. Call to ask about their lives and find out what to do. Create ways to invent new memories and traditions." (Nichols & Switzer, 2016, p. 162)​

Reference: Nichols, L., & Switzer, J. (2016). Abundance Now: Amplify Your Life & Achieve Prosperity Today (Reprint ed.). Dey Street Books.

Practice Journal Writing Questions To Consider

You can utilize the questions below to take the pulse of your current inner circle, community, and support system. You can also use these questions as a periodic check in or when you're needing to re-evaluate the company that you keep. ​Remember that some relationships can last for a season while others can last for a lifetime. Both types deserve compassion and respect. Feel free to add and change these questions to suit your needs!

• What does your community look like?

• Do you have more than one community?

• What does your inner circle or support groups offer you?
  

• What do you offer them?

• Are your interactions with your support system(s) uplifting and motivating?

  • If yes, how does this positively effect your daily living?

  • If no, how would you like to see your community change and grow?

• What are some simple actions you and your community can take right away to continue growing together?

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Original Post ~ 11.4.21 ~ Community Growth Mindset