TGIM: In Good Company

Welcome back to Thank God It’s Monday!

​

tl;dr Community and belonging are vital to our health and success. Technology has created both a false sense of community and new ways to build community. If you’re struggling to reach a goal, a community might be the missing ingredient.

​

How would you describe what a community is? Maybe you would explain how you feel within a community or the power of what you’ve been able to accomplish within one. The sense of belonging to something greater and the ability to tackle big things together might be what stands out. Or maybe it’s the sense of identity community gives you.

​

Types of communities vary a lot through different stages of life. When we were kids, our community was our class, teams, and family. These were the people we spent all of our time with and who helped us define who we were. They helped us develop into the people we are today.

​

After school, our communities shift a bit. They are still largely defined by the people we spend the most time with, at work, and then those we spend our free time with, maybe a partner, a recreational team, or those we exercise with. These communities give us a sense of purpose and help guide the identity we give ourselves.

​

As we age, community becomes even more vital to our sense of happiness and health. After retirement, when our time is less structured, community becomes a vital component to our psychological well-being. Have you known a loved one or a colleague who retired and struggled with a sense of purpose? On the contrary, those who have retired and have a strong sense of community, whether through volunteering, working, or leisure, seemed to be living their best lives in retirement.
​

The importance of community became glaringly evident during the height of the pandemic when most people became bereft of their groups. How typical of the human race to appreciate the importance of something after it’s gone. People were desperate to create any sense of belonging possible with online Zoom calls with friends, online workouts, and gatherings with others when it was safe to do so.
​

Technology was an indispensable resource during that time to create social connections when we had no other options. How fortunate we are to live through the first pandemic with technology to disseminate important information and create a sense of belonging at a time when we might not otherwise have had one.

​

However, technology is also creating a false sense of community that has been detrimental to the physical and mental health of so many people. Younger kids are suffering from the consequences of online bullying and a lack of true socialization. Adults are even more guilty of hiding behind computer screens, arguing on Facebook about something nonsensical in their online “community.” Politics have also created this identity for people, which is harming individuals’ ability to communicate and our nation as a whole. The psychological and health effects we’re seeing from technology isolating people are only beginning to be understood and hopefully can be reversed in the generations to come.

​

So, as individuals, we can’t change the age regulations on social media nor the polarizing effects of politics in our society. But we can leverage community to help create a better world around us and assist us in accomplishing our own goals.

​
Our communities are vital to our identities and our health. As we age, we must surround ourselves with people who help us grow into better people. We must seek out communities that empower us to move, think, and be happy.

​

A few communities that have helped me over the last year are my work environment, my gym friends, and my online course community. The individuals that make up these groups have helped me develop new skills, challenged me to think critically, given me a sense of purpose, and provided a sense of belonging. They have significantly contributed to my health as I have continued to improve professionally, physically, and personally.

​

What communities are you a part of that provide you with a sense of belonging?

​

If you are struggling in a certain area in your life, have you considered joining a community to help you find fulfillment? If you are not in the place you’d like to be physically, is there a community that is aligned with your goals to help you find a sense of belonging and a path for improvement? If you are struggling with a sense of purpose, can you find a community for volunteering or a side hustle that brings you joy? A community can help you brainstorm, troubleshoot, and celebrate change.

​

What kind of community can help you in this next season of your life? Your communities may shift as you continue to grow. They may look different as your goals change. But one thing will remain consistent: a community can help you physically, psychologically, and emotionally.
​

If you found some value in this, please share it with a friend you think would enjoy it! And let me know if you’d like to be added to get TGIM.

​

This week, my podcast recommendation is from the Maxwell Leadership Podcast, “Experience Explosive Growth.”

​

With that, let me know what community you’re seeking out to support you in reaching your current goals.

​

Until next time,

Shannon