These days, there is a lot of talk about the need for a tribe. Many entrepreneurial groups tout the importance of a solid tribe. I know plenty of exhausted mothers who admit they would struggle through the week if they didn’t have their mom tribe. The specific definitions and uses for these groups may vary, but the underlying meaning is the same. A tribe is a group of like-minded people who will support and encourage you. Finding the right support system is important, but it can be difficult.
Here are a few tips to help you find your tribe:
Start with Your Hobbies: What do you love to do? Write? Craft? Exercise? Look for free classes in your area focusing on your hobbies. You may meet some awesome people that already have similar interests. There are a number of apps like Meetup and Peoplehunt that will help connect you to others nearby with the same interests.
Step Out of Your Comfort Zone: Many of us have friends we grew up with, and while they may be near and dear to our hearts… they may not be tribe material. To find people who will fit into your current goals and motivations you need to step out of your comfort zone. Desperate to find moms with kids the same age as your own? It may be easy to find events for kids that age, but you have to be willing to take it one step further and attempt to make friends. It isn’t always easy, but the possible rewards are worth it. Introduce yourself, ask questions, put yourself out there.
Don’t Knock the Web: I know a lot of people who feel the need to have a tribe nearby, a group they can actually meet with and talk to in person. However, in this digital age, I think a virtual tribe is just as helpful and genuine. I have an amazing tribe online of girls that I have never met in person. But that doesn’t mean we don’t consider each other true friends. I can talk to these women about things I rarely discuss with my friends. To be honest, my friends wouldn’t understand. They do not have my specific goals. There are so many amazing online groups out there where you can make real connections, an online tribe… is still a tribe.
Ask Around: Talk to friends and family about what you are looking for. They may know of a group that you would enjoy, or have a friend with similar goals who you have never met. It doesn’t hurt to ask and you may just find some awesome new friends.
There are plenty of places to find people who will support you and lift you up… but you need to put yourself out there. Trust me, the risks are worth the rewards!
stepping out of your comfort zone is key! and its totally worth it!
So necessary to find your tribe to stay SANE! Great topic to talk about, and great tips!
Authenticity I think is key
I was literally crying when I read this, I was crying before, but not about the same things.) I want to find my tribe so badly it hurts, but I don’t know how… I’m not even sure who am, and I’m not sure how to figure it out. I’m just so lost right now, but you’ve given me hope that I do have tribe members out there who will be honest with me and still love me for me, and I them. Thank you, I really needed that hope.
I am a working mama too and completely understand the tricky balance in being everything you need to be to those that matter most. Finding trusted dedicated relationships to lean on when it gets tough is hard. I think identifying that you need that support and making it a priority is such a big accomplishment!