We all have goals and desires in life. If you’re a Gloveworx Contender, it’s likely that you have some goals centered around improving your health, your body, and your energy levels. Maybe you’ve thought out a plan to start reaching those goals. Your plan might include things like getting to the studio a few times a week, eating healthy meals, and tracking your progress on a weekly basis.

Those are all noble actions. However, there is a critical aspect of goal planning that many people leave out, and that is building a tribe. Having a tribe or a social support system behind you will help motivate and push you toward your goals.

Read on to learn about the importance of a social support system and how to build your ideal tribe.

Social Support is Critical to Your Success

Achieving success is hard work. It takes determination, risk, resilience, and most of all, consistency. All of these things require motivation, but let’s be honest– motivation doesn’t come easy.

One of the best ways to stay motivated is to have a social and emotional support system. Your support team will consist of like-minded people who are going to encourage you along the way and help you when you need assistance. Having a tribe of supportive people by your side will make your chances of success much higher, as opposed to going at it alone.

A support system serves several important purposes, including:

• Accountability. Having a tribe of people who know your goals and plans, and are expecting to see your progress, increases the pressure to perform and creates accountability.
• Encouragement. No road to success is ever straight. Many times you are going to fall and have to pick yourself back up. Your support system will be there to help you and encourage you during those hard times.
• Assistance. You’re not going to know what to do every step of the way. Having a professional figure, such as a coach, as part of your tribe will provide you with a knowledge base. When you need assistance, or you have questions, they are your go-to person.

Build a Tribe

In creating a supportive tribe, you need to fill it with the right people. Here are some individuals who you’ll want as part of your team:

Close Friends & Family

There’s nothing worse than trying to eat healthily and having your friends shove fried chicken and cake in your face during a lunch date. You might mention that you’re trying to eat healthier, but they relentlessly insist “just this once” as they mischievously slide you some of that ooey, gooey, delicious-looking mac and cheese.

Whether your goals are health-related or not, it’s important to let your close friends and family in on it. And BE CLEAR! Having an honest talk with them and letting them know how important this is to you will foster their support and encouragement.

Fellow Contenders

Aside from having your best friends back you, you’re going to want to form relationships with fellow contenders. You know what they say, “choose your friends wisely.” The people you choose to hang around with influence your own behaviors and beliefs.

The same applies to a fitness setting. The exercise habits of close others have a positive influence on your own habits. Joining one of the small group sessions at Gloveworx will allow you to mingle with like-minded, goal-oriented individuals who can provide the support and encouragement you need. Gym buddies act as a form of social support and are a paramount piece of your tribe.

A Coach

Having friends both in and out of the gym who will encourage you is great, but you also need a professional figure to join your team. A coach is imperative to your success and growth as an athlete.

Not only will they provide motivation, but they will help you to grow and become a better version of yourself, both in and out of the ring. Your coach is the person who will teach you the nitty-gritty of what you need to know to truly flourish.

Mental Supporter

We all go through tough times. Sometimes, we don’t need any advice; we merely need someone to listen to us. It’s integral to have someone you can lean on during the hard times, even if it’s just to vent. Whether it be your parents, your spouse, your coach, or a mental health professional, your mental supporter should be someone you can trust.

Outside Support

Support can be virtual as well. One study showed a positive relationship between the online health communities a person belongs to and their own exercise habits. Join a Facebook group, participate in forums, or find other digital communities where you can find people in the same boat as you.

How to Build Your Ideal Tribe

Now that you know how to build an epic tribe, it’s time to put it all together. Follow these steps to get the ball rolling and build your ideal support system.

Step 1: Set Clear-Cut Goals

Before you start building your tribe, you need to have goals in mind. Otherwise, how will your team help you if you’re not even sure what you want?

A well-known and highly effective method of setting clear-cut goals is by using the acronym SMART. SMART goals are:

• Specific – Your goals should be clear and specific, rather than ambiguous.
• Measurable – You should be able to measure your goals and track your progress.
• Attainable – It’s great to set high standards, but make sure they are realistic.
• Relevant – Set meaningful goals that are worthwhile and that compliment your lifestyle.
• Time-Bound – Every good goal needs an end-date, so be sure to set one.

Step 2: List Your Ideal Tribe

You can now base your tribe members around the goals you’ve created. Write out a list of your ideal team. Include anyone who you believe can help you reach your maximum potential.

Step 3: Pull Your Tribe Together

It’s time to pull your tribe together. Start getting in touch with those whose support you need. Talk with your family and friends, join some Gloveworx training sessions to get to know others with similar goals, get yourself a coach, and check out some outside resources that you can use to move forward.

Now you have an amazing tribe, but remember, the hard work is up to you. Show up and do your part, but ask for help and support when you need it.

Do you want to build your own epic support system? The coaches at Gloveworx could be a great starting point for building a tribe that can support you on your way to success!