Yesterday, I was at an outdoor arts and crafts market near where I live. I was noticing how the makers there, many of whom I know, were sharing ideas and encouraging each other in what they were doing. It made me realise what is possible when you surround yourself with the right people — doers that are on a similar path. Doers that care enough to share and help each other grow. 

Power of peer support 

It really brought home to me the power of being part of a community — the right community for YOU. In the same way that peer pressure can be toxic, peer support can be very powerful! This is also why, for example, support groups can have a positive impact on people trying to overcome major life difficulties, such as grief and addiction. 

So, it’s a great thing if you can find a supportive community. It is probably one of the most important things we can do amidst our atomistic and anonymous-transactional, urban lives. Needless to say, we are the most social species on the planet. Yet, despite the vastness of our cities (or perhaps because of it?) life in modernity can so easily drift into isolation and disconnection. And, that’s before the impact of covid!

So, to surround yourself with the right people is perhaps almost on par with food, water and shelter.

If you can’t surround yourself with the right people

And, if you have not yet managed to find the right community for you, at least stay away from those who drag you down. Otherwise, you have to constantly swim against the tide of unsupportive nay-sayers and time wasters. Those who just don’t understand what you are about. All your energy is taken up simply trying to keep your head above the water. But, you don’t have to put up with that.  You can choose differently.

Finding the right community is a great gift. If you have managed to surround yourself with the right people, celebrate it! If not, seek it, and in time you will find it. 

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Harsha is a 1:1 coach and independent thinker based in London. He empowers people to find more clarity, confidence and focus in their lives — to cut through the noise, in a world so full of it. Harsha’s new book, Machine Ego: Tragedy of the Modern Mind, is now available in paperback and Kindle through Amazon.