Surrounding Yourself with Supportive People

Life and work can both be challenging. One way to reduce stress, though, is with the people you choose to surround yourself with. When they are generally positive and uplifting, this will impact your mood, your confidence, and your overall well-being. Here’s why.

How Can Supportive People Make a Difference?

The people you’re surrounded by can help you in many ways, or they can hurt you through criticism, negativity, and toxic behavior. Work is challenging enough in the best of circumstances. Rather than making it harder with difficult people, too, strive to surround yourself with those who respect and value you.

They will be honest and listen to you, give you opinions and feedback when you need it, and be there to celebrate your wins with you. People like this can not only make you happier but build up your self-confidence too, helping you take more calculated risks that advance your career.

How Do You Find Supportive People?

It’s not always easy. Sometimes, people can come across as warm and supportive, only to become cold and calculating later on in the relationship. This can lead to feelings of hurt and betrayal.

When it comes to those you surround yourself with, it’s important to take your time before you trust them. Also, connect with those who share your interests, goals, and attitudes. These are more likely to be the kind of people who will remain positive and be happy for your successes, not jealous or competitive.

Other ways to find supportive people for your career and life include networking online, attending workshops and seminars, and even volunteering at a local non-profit that means a lot to you. Other different ways include reading books or listening to podcasts about or by those who inspire and motivate you.

How Do You Weed Out the Negative People?

Not everyone wants to be supportive and helpful. It’s not your job to try and change these people but rather avoid them. These are the type of individuals who want to undermine you, make you feel unworthy or ashamed, or who discourage you from aiming high and trying to reach your goals.

You’ll often know simply by gut instinct when you’re around these kinds of people. You’ll walk away from them feeling bad about yourself and your career direction. Avoid them as much as possible, and if you do have to have some contact, keep your guard up, and don’t be afraid to assert your own opinions, too.

Ready to Surround Yourself with More Positive People at Work?

If you’re in a toxic workplace culture, it can impact your quality of life. If you’re ready to make a change, Provisional Recruiting can help.

As a leading Northwest recruitment team, we can get to know your goals, skills, and needs, then match you with an ideal new opportunity and a happier workplace culture. Search our jobs now!