How to create a more effective support strategy

Change is challenging enough. But it's even harder when we insist on going it alone. Whether you (or your clients) are aiming to improve health, boost productivity, or cultivate a new skill, having a solid support strategy can be the difference between frustration and success.

An expanded version of this article is available as a Change Academy podcast episode:

The Art of Asking for Support

Most people assume their friends and family know how to support them. But mind-reading isn't a common superpower! To build an effective support squad, we need to be specific in our requests.

Instead of vague pleas for support, encourage concrete asks:

• "It would really help me if we could keep cookies out of the house for a while."
• "Could we try cooking more meals at home together?"
• "I'm trying to cut back on alcohol, so please don't offer to refill my wine glass."

By being clear about our needs, we give our loved ones a roadmap for effective support.

Expanding the Circle

But what if the immediate circle isn't as supportive as hoped? This is where the power of community comes in. As Jim Rohn famously said, "You're the average of the five people you spend the most time with." If our immediate circle isn't stepping up, we may need to seek out or create like-minded groups that align with our goals.

Sometimes, of course, despite clear communication, people in our lives remain unsupportive. It can feel like sabotage. But it's usually not about us. It's about how others feel about themselves.

The Environment as a Change Agent

Here's a powerful, often overlooked tool: our environment. Fortunately, we usually have more control over our surroundings than we do over the people in our lives. And our environment can significantly impact behavior.

Here's where we can leverage behavioral economics by making the desired choice the easier choice and inserting friction between us and things we may be trying to avoid.

This is really the opposite of willpower. It's about creating a tailwind instead of constantly fighting a headwind.

This week, identify one thing in your environment (or social circle) that you can change to better support your goals. It could be rearranging your kitchen, reaching out to a health-minded friend, or having a heart-to-heart with a partner about what you need.

Sustainable change isn't a solo journey. Be sure to leverage the power of the support in your behavior change toolkit.

For more insightful conversations about what it takes to create healthier mindsets and habits, please subscribe to the Change Academy podcast wherever you listen. https://pod.link/changeacademy