Intentionally Crafting Connections

The topic of our most recent EquipHer Live Instagram session was entitled: “Who You Surround Yourself with Matters”, and woah was it good! The conversation was rich and relatable, and the majority of participants realized that it was a topic that needed much more time than a fifteen minute window on Instagram. Viewers were leaning in, commenting, and wanting to hear more.

While we plan on further discussing this topic in an upcoming EquipHer Forward Zoom session, we thought it would be helpful to highlight a few of our favorite talking points from last week.

First, it is important to note that as we pursue careers, personal goals, and spiritual development, it’s essential to cultivate connections that not only support our journey but also align with our faith and long-term goals.?

One common question surrounding this subject is: How can we ensure that our relationships are in fact the right ones to be intentional with?

While relationships don’t define our success, they can certainly support and enhance it. Some people come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime, and it’s vital to understand the role each one of those categories plays in our journey. Not everyone needs to be part of our inner circle, and that’s okay. The key is being intentional about who we do allow into our close-knit group and ensuring those people share our values.

Take a moment to think about your current relationships…?

• How many of them truly align with your vision, values, and faith??
• How many of these individuals challenge and inspire you??
• How many of them give you the level of friendship you deserve, rather than simply taking it all for themselves?

It is important to recognize that we can easily become drained, disappointed, and deflated from consistently pouring into people without receiving anything back.?

One way to avoid disappointment is through setting expectations for our friendships. When we seek the positive characteristics (i.e. humor, loyalty, support, fun) that a friend brings to the table, we appreciate the friendship for exactly who that person is. Nothing more. Through this exercise of expectation setting, we begin to understand that the friend we call for a good laugh or to have a fun time may not have the same qualities as our friend we call for a good cry or to watch Netflix and chill. And here is the best part, that's ok! Every person brings their own unique personalities to the table.

It is rare that we find a relationship that nurtures us in all areas of our life: spiritually, personally, and professionally. Intentionality is about recognizing this and making purposeful decisions about those in our inner circle.

The Four Categories of Friends

We love the way Dr. Dharius Daniels breaks out the four categories of friends: friends, associates, assignments, and advisors, and explains how each group is crucial to build connections that serve your growth:

• Friends are the people with whom we share deep emotional bonds, mutual trust, and consistent support. True friends celebrate our victories, stand by us in difficult times, and encourage us. A true friend respects our boundaries, shares our values—especially your faith—and is invested in our growth. These friendships require intentional nurturing, as they are built on both shared experiences and a deep emotional connection that strengthens over time.

• Associates are individuals we know and interact with but haven’t developed a close connection with. While these relationships can be beneficial in expanding our network and providing opportunities, they typically lack the depth of true friendships. However, with intentional effort, some associates can evolve into deeper friendships as you find common interests and shared goals.

• Assignments are people we mentor or help, who may not give back in the same way but are part of our growth journey as we serve them. Assignments can be powerful because they allow us to contribute to someone else’s growth while also learning from the experience.

• Advisors are mentors or guides who offer wisdom, but they aren’t necessarily part of our intimate personal life. Nevertheless, their influence can be significant in helping us make informed decisions and achieve our goals. It’s essential to cultivate relationships with advisors who align with our values and vision, as their support can be instrumental in our success.

Recognizing these different roles allows us to approach relationships with clarity and realistic expectations.

The Inner Circle: Focus on Depth, Not Breadth

A smaller, focused inner circle can have a profound impact on our life. Just like a flower needs the right soil to bloom, you need a good and healthy environment—both relational and spiritual—that supports our growth.?

If your closest relationships are with people who drain your energy, steer you away from your values, or fail to encourage your faith, it will be harder to grow into the person you’re meant to be.

Social circles—the people we spend the most time with—have a direct impact on our success. Whether you are an entrepreneur, businesswoman, or building a career, surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who support and inspire you is key to staying motivated and growing, both personally and professionally.

Join EquipHer Forward

If you are a woman seeking to build intentional relationships that reflect your faith, support your career, and empower your growth, at EquipHer Forward , we believe in the power of community and intentionality. We are a community of like-minded women committed to supporting each other’s journey through encouragement, empowerment, and equipping one another with the tools for success and the experiences of valuable coaches in the professional, personal and spiritual area.

Whether you’re looking for mentors, collaborators, or simply a supportive space, EquipHer Forward is here for you.

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You weren’t created to walk this journey alone. Surround yourself with intentional relationships, and together, we’ll grow!