Your Personal Portfolio: Building Your Own "Support Squad"
Evaluating Your Personal Relationships. We often meticulously structure our professional lives, ensuring we have the right leaders, followers, and contemporaries to achieve success.
But how often do we apply this structure to our personal lives? Think of your personal life as your own "team" — it's not work, but it operates similarly.
When was the last time you dedicated time to your personal portfolio?
Consider when you last spent quality time with family and friends who play a pivotal role in your "personal board." Whether it’s a coffee in town, a walk in the countryside, or a night out at a bar, these moments are crucial for discussing life, work, and helping each other reflect on our goals.
The Importance of Personal Check-Ins
Spending time with someone who knows you personally and maybe also professionally can be incredibly beneficial. They can help you hold up a mirror to your life, offering insights that are often missed in the daily grind. They may know you from the past and can remind you of experiences that influence what's happening now. They might even point out additional challenges you face right now. Whether it's relationship issues, work problems, or just the general direction of life, the key members of your personal team, or specific people chosen for their relevance to a particular situation, can provide the best therapy.
Progress: Reflecting on what you have achieved. Whether it's at school, in previous jobs, or with your family, progress is progress, and we sometimes forget how far we've come.
Obstacles: Identifying the challenges you are facing and listening as you work through them. Who in your team can help with this?
Motivations: Understanding what drives you forward. Whether it's the sheer challenge, wanting to help people, or financial incentives.
A fresh perspective and honest feedback can work wonders, providing clarity and direction.
A Structured Approach to Personal Development
Choose one of your team members to help you build a plan to move forward. They might even want to do this for themselves. Focus on key areas:
Authenticity + Accountability: Being true to yourself and taking responsibility for your actions.
Honesty Without Sugarcoating: Providing and receiving feedback that is 100% honest, even if it's tough to hear.
Digging Deeper: Asking probing questions until you get to the root of the matter — the true "why."
Mutual Homework: Assigning each other tasks or goals to assess progress when you next meet.
Who Do You Call in a Crisis?
In times of crisis, having a reliable support network is crucial. Think about who in your team you would turn to in different types of emergencies. This could be someone who remains calm under pressure, offers practical solutions, or simply provides a listening ear.
Assigning Roles in Your Personal Team
Start thinking about who in your team you would like to take responsibility for different areas of your life. This can ensure you have the right support when you need it most:
Health: Who encourages you to stay active, eat healthily, and take care of your mental well-being?
Wealth: Who can you turn to for financial advice, whether it's budgeting, investing, or planning for the future?
Fun: Who brings joy and laughter into your life, helping you to unwind and enjoy the moment?
Creating Space for Reflection
Slowing down and creating the space to ask each other difficult questions can lead to profound insights. These moments of reflection are essential for personal growth and achieving a balanced life. Just as you would in a professional setting, regularly evaluate your personal relationships and their impact on your overall well-being.
Conclusion
Your personal portfolio deserves the same attention and structure as your professional life. By building your own "team" and regularly engaging with them, you can gain valuable insights, support, and accountability. So, take a moment to plan your next meeting with a key member of your personal board and experience the benefits of a well-balanced personal and professional life.
Start Building Your Team
To help you get started, download our template for creating your own personal team. Think about who you would like to include, and check if there are any important people you've missed out or haven't seen enough of lately. This template will guide you in identifying the key members of your team and assigning roles to ensure you have a balanced and supportive network around you. Begin your journey toward a more structured and fulfilling personal life today.
