What are the benefits of a strong support system when facing career challenges?

In my experience with career challenges, I've learned the significance of a strong support system. It provides a secure environment where I can freely voice frustrations and fears without any one being judgmental. This emotional helps me to stay determined in the face of setbacks. Having friends who offer guidance and fresh perspectives helps me to uncover insights and solutions that would have otherwise eluded me. Furthermore, networking helps in discovering new opportunities and collaborations, thereby expanding my professional horizons.

Create a support system of people who encourage you to be the best version of yourself. Ask the people around you about how they have impacted you and what they believe you are truly gifted at. Once you hear their answers, create your support system. The people who make you feel better, bigger and more capable are your fans and your biggest support system. If there is no one in your surroundings who can fulfil that role, and I have been in this situation, find online groups, get involved, get people to know you and ask them the same questions. You will be surprised how complete strangers tend to see the best in you from the start and remind you of who you are, can be and can work on becoming.

I see my support system as my fan club and cheerleading squad. My support system wants to see me succeed. Therefore this same support system will call me out on my moments of victimisation, which I create sometimes to hurt myself. They will help me snap out of that and remind me of my gifts and unexpressed and unexplored potential. When pushing my own limits, I find that my support system is what helps me push through my fear so I can find the courage to achieve my goals. My support system is a giving system. The person who benefits the most is me, not them. It is like having a personal fan club and cheerleading squad. Knowing that they have my back, gives me the courage to reach for my dreams.

Support system can be for one's own emotional balance, improving performance as well as sharing responsibilities, especially in family. It depends upon the nature of person, work, strengths and responsibilities. A support system enables more focus and eases stress. This undoubtedly results in better productivity and overall emotional health.

Building a support systems does not need to be a huge undertaking. Within your current network, look for people who already encourage you. We live in a digital age where meeting strangers is the simplest act. Connect with strangers, share your authentic self, allow yourself to share your dreams with them and ask them how you impact them, ask them about how they see you and listen to what they have to say. It is by asking people questions that the support happens. It is by asking questions and reaching out for a helping hand that you create your support system.

Connect with people, pets, depending upon one's nature. Some like to have family to back them up, for others it could be friends, or pet animals for a gentle hug. The support system essentially need to be with non-judgmental ones.

To build a support system that will best fit your needs, you can join groups associated to the relevant type of support you are seeking on LinkedIn. Look for and attend networking events, this allows you to meet many different people from different backgrounds and professions, adding diversity to your support system. Many people overlook job fairs as a place to network, you can meet recruiters, human resource professionals, and other professionals. Building a solid support system starts with networking.

To use your support system effectively, remember to ask yourself: What do I need right now? How can others help support me so my need is met? Once these questions are answered, it is much easier to reach out for help. Often, we know we need help, but we are unclear and unaware of what we need exactly. It is very difficult for others to help us if we are unclear about what we need help with. The clearer you are with yourself, the easier it becomes to ask for the support that you need. And the easier it becomes for your support system to effectively help and support you.

Using a support system effectively is a dynamic process that requires active engagement, clear communication, and emotional intelligence. Be proactive in seeking support; waiting for help to come can be counterproductive. Clearly articulate what you require to avoid misunderstandings. When you're the recipient of support, demonstrate grace and gratitude. This not only affirms the helper's effort but also encourages a culture of mutual support. Remain open to differing viewpoints; sometimes the most unexpected advice can be incredibly valuable. On the flip side, offer your own support conscientiously. Tune into emotional or verbal cues that signal someone might need assistance and respond accordingly.

To conquer support system challenges, build atomic habits. A 60-second daily habit matters. I began with washing my face with warm water every day; after 15 days it became second nature. Next, I would take 5 minutes to write down what my needs are and what kind of support I needed from others. Then I would take 5 minutes to contact someone from my support system to ask them that question. I overcome challenges by building short, achievable atomic habits. They help beat the stress and anxiety that I can feel when facing career challenges.