The Role of Community in Habit Building: Finding Support

The road to building healthy habits is often challenging and can leave us feeling alone in our journey. Finding support within a community can provide a sense of accountability and motivation that we may not get by going at it alone. Having peers who share similar goals also offers a chance for individuals to exchange tips and tricks, cultivating a culture of knowledge-sharing. Joining a community committed to creating sustainable behaviour changes can help lead to growth and personal development, providing members with a sense of belonging and accomplishment. The presence of a supportive community can help individuals overcome obstacles and stay on track, ultimately leading to long-term success.

Why Habits Matter

Habits are the often unconscious behaviours that shape our daily lives. They are the actions we take without much thought, whether good or bad. This is why developing good habits and breaking bad ones is crucial for personal growth and self-improvement. They are the tiny, daily choices that, when aggregated, have a profound impact on our well-being and success.

Perhaps more important than the habits themselves, are the reasons why we choose to engage in creating sustainable behaviour change. Understanding the motivation for behaviour change is a fundamental step in the journey of habit building. It is this motivation that fuels our determination and commitment, turning insight into action. Aligning habit changes with intrinsic motivators increases the likelihood of sustained behaviour change.

High performance team training can play a pivotal role in amplifying motivation, critical in sustaining behaviour change and developing leaders. This training is not just about acquiring new skills and knowledge, but also about instilling a sense of camaraderie, shared purpose, and encourages an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust. It stimulates intrinsic motivation that fuels personal growth and habit formation. High performance team training offers a platform for cultivating habits that lead to leadership development and success.

The Struggle of Going It Alone

Creating habits is not an easy task, and it requires consistent effort and motivation. Many of us start with good intentions but quickly lose steam when faced with challenges or distractions.

Leadership development training can play an invaluable role in mitigating the struggle for individuals in implementing behaviour change. Leadership training taps into the power of collective effort, providing a supportive environment to navigate the challenges of habit-building. It enables individuals to learn from others, gain fresh perspectives, and draw on the collective wisdom of the group, making the process of behaviour change less daunting and more manageable.

When we try to build habits on our own, we often lack accountability and external motivation, which can be crucial for long-term success. We may also feel isolated and discouraged when we face setbacks or failures, leading us to give up altogether. Without a support system, the journey towards building positive habits can become lonely and overwhelming.

The Power of Community Support

This is where the role of community support becomes invaluable. A community can be any group of like-minded individuals who come together to support one another in their habit-building endeavours. This support can be instrumental in overcoming the hurdles that often hinder personal growth. Here’s how community support can make a difference:

1. Accountability:

One of the most significant advantages of a supportive community is the sense of accountability it provides. When you commit to a habit in the presence of others, you’re more likely to stick to it. Even having just one accountability buddy within the group can make a world of difference. They can provide encouragement, motivation, and gentle reminders to help you stay on track.

2. Motivation:

Motivation can be a fleeting feeling, and there will be days when your enthusiasm wanes. Being part of a community allows you to draw on the collective motivation and inspiration of your peers. When you see others succeeding or pushing through challenges, it can reignite your own determination. Research from Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, David Maxfield, Ron McMillan and Al Switzler, authors of Influencer: the Power to Change Anything, suggest that social support is a key factor in sustaining the motivation for behaviour change. Enlisting the support and influence of opinion leaders, or those who are highly respected within your community, can significantly impact the motivation and success of individuals.

3. Sharing Knowledge and Resources:

Communities are rich sources of knowledge and resources. By connecting with others who share your goals, you can learn from their experiences and gain valuable insights. This is essential in high performance teams, where members can use each other’s strengths to overcome shared obstacles. Additionally, you can share tips and resources that have helped you in your journey, providing mutual support and guidance.

4. Emotional Support:

Habit building is not just about the physical or intellectual effort; it’s also an emotional journey. There will be moments of doubt, frustration, and self-criticism. Having a supportive community to lean on during these times can be a lifeline. They can provide encouragement, empathy, and reassurance that you’re not alone in your struggles.

Finding the Right Community

While the benefits of community support are clear, it’s essential to find the right community for your habit-building journey.  Here are some tips for finding the perfect support system:

1. Shared Interests:

In his book, Atomic Habits, James Clear discusses the phenomenon that our desire to belong can overpower our desire to improve. Meaning that we will typically fall into habits and behaviours that are common in the groups we belong to. To combat this, look for communities that align with your specific habit or goal. Seeking communities where our desired behaviour is ‘normal’ will make it easier to adopt.

2. Positivity and Encouragement:

A supportive community should be a place of positivity and encouragement. Avoid groups that foster negativity, competition, or unrealistic expectations. Seek out communities that promote a growth mindset and celebrate both small and large victories. Positivity is contagious, and being part of a positive community will help you stay motivated and committed.

3. Size and Engagement:

Look for communities that are the right size and level of engagement for you. Some people may thrive in large, active groups with frequent discussions and activities, while others prefer smaller, more intimate settings. Consider your personality and learning style when choosing a community to join.

In the pursuit of habit building, the role of community support cannot be overstated. Finding the right group of like-minded individuals who share your goals can significantly enhance your chances of success. The accountability, motivation, shared knowledge, and emotional support that a community provides can be the catalyst you need to turn your aspirations into reality. So, whether you’re striving for personal growth, fitness, or any other positive change in your life, consider seeking the power of community to help you on your habit-building journey. Together, we can achieve more than we ever could on our own.