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We never know what is going to happen. So it is essential to have a support system that works for us. A support system will help you be accountable and honest with people around you too. There are a few traits that are desirable within your support network, and fostering these traits will help you improve your current support network too. 

Purpose

When people have a sense of purpose and reason for doing things, they thrive. Everyone has a purpose, something that makes them feel happy and alive; part of your support network can be to help you find it, or for you to help them find theirs. 

Education

Learning is living. A support network should encourage you to learn more, question things that seem fake or false, and general help you learn. Learning isn’t always something you need to do using a book. It could be learning healthy coping mechanisms, how to cook an egg, or how fish breathe. 

Accountability

There are some people in life that don’t hold back. They give you their honest opinion every time. And those people are great to have in our support networks. They will keep us accountable to what we say and do. Calling us out or holding us responsible when we need it. These people are vital for keeping us on track. 

Understanding

Have you ever met a person that has so much space and time to listen and understand? These people are completely invaluable. They might have similar experiences, or they might just be brilliant at active listening. 

Psychological support

Mental health isn’t just a big deal. It is essential. And most people don’t have the right support network to have their mental health taken seriously. Therapists, mentors, and councils aren’t just for people who aren’t in a great place mentally. They are ideal for everyone – all the time. 

How do you build a support network? 

It is strange to think about how often we are around people, and make no conversation, and don’t come home with tales of chatting to new people. So building a support network can be hard. 

There are two rings to your support network—bankers, mentors, therapists, Thomas Law offices for legal issues, schools, and teachers. Then the inner ring should be friends and family that you have a good relationship with. Often we think people aren’t as close with us as we wish, and it can be a matter is simply spending more time with them. 

You can join networking groups and volunteer programs to help you meet new people, that have the same interests. This can be a great starting point and gives you something to talk about for a while. 

Making friends isn’t always easy. However, working on the relationships we already have and aiming to have to those fulfilling supportive roles in our lives, as well as provide support and safety to others, can revolutionize how you spend your time and energy in the future.