Why you need a personal cheering crowd.

I found Prospect Park to be busier than usual during one of my early morning walks in January. It was the first week into 2023 so I figured everyone was working on their new year resolutions. Nothing unusual.

But the crowd that morning was different. To my left I noticed a jogger who appeared to be in her late 70’s or 80’s. Another senior passed me by with a slow and steady jog. Then more people appeared during the walk from the same demographic.

I couldn’t help admiring them knowing how difficult it was for me to get into the habit of walking 5 miles a day and getting out of bed that cold morning. Getting started on something new and committing to doing that thing on a regular basis is a challenge. I complain about being out of shape in my 40’s but the people around me that morning had 30-40 years on me.

I thought it might have been a coincidence until I saw a small crowd of people cheering these joggers and walkers. That’s when I realized they were all part of the same fitness group. And they had their own fan club!

As I got closer to the crowd, their cheers get louder and louder.

“COME ON RUTHIE! YOU GOT THIS!!!”

“YAY PAT! YOU’RE ALMOST THERE!”

“GO FRAN GO!”

I couldn’t stop smiling as I watch the crowd cheer on the people who crossed the symbolic finish line and seeing each runner stretch their arms into the air to acknowledge their achievement.

It got me thinking about importance and value of having a cheering crowd or fan club around us when we’re working towards a major career milestone. Especially the ones that we’re navigating for the first time.

Like…

·      When you decide to breakup with the company you invested 10 years of your life working for and switch industries entirely.

·      When you need to detach your identity from the company that laid you off and create a new identity.

·      When you decide it’s time to sell the business you poured your heart and soul into so you can start something new.

·      When you decide that you’re tired of working for the man and feel ready to start your own independent consulting practice.

Change is hard. Trying something new can be exciting at first. But, sticking with it through the ebbs and flow can be a challenge.

That’s why having a personal cheering crowd is key.

They’re the people you assemble to make sure you’re hydrated during the race. The people who are there to help in case you get injured. The people who hold up signs displaying words of encouragement along the path. The people who give you a thumbs up to show that you’re doing well. The people who are ready to hug you and celebrate with you at the finish line.

As you think about the career milestones you want to achieve this year, who’s in your cheering crowd? Who’s handing you water? Who’s holding up signs? Who’s grinning at you at the finish line?

If you haven’t assembled this team yet, today is a good day to start.

About the Author

Leang Chung (she/her) is a Career First Coach and Founder of Pelora Stack. She helps people navigate their career first. She works with first time early-stage founders, career changers, people managers, and solopreneurs.

Ready to design your cheering crowd? Download the Designing Your Community eBook to start identifying who should be part of this curated community.