Two different coaching clients were sharing reflections from conferences they recently attended and both remarked that it was reaffirming to hear that others shared their experiences. “I thought we were the only one who had that problem, ” a client said. “It was nice to know that I wasn’t the only one who felt that way,” said another.
Almost no matter what your emotion, experience, or question is, you aren’t the only one to have it — but it often feels that way. Thus is the power of networking and relationships. If you’re vulnerable enough to share your doubts, it’s likely that there is someone out there to relate to what you are going through. The mere fact of knowing you’re not alone is often enough to diminish your fears and raise your confidence. It’s the “being the only one” that is often scarier than what you are facing.
Take advantage of conferences, coaching, professional associations, learning circles, mastermind groups, virtual affinity groups, or even Google to find others who can validate your experiences. You don’t have to fly solo.
