“Finding your tribe transforms your sense of identity and purpose,” explains Ken Robinson, author of The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything. “This is because of three powerful tribal dynamics: validation, inspiration, and the alchemy of synergy.”
“When you are with your tribe, you feel inspired to create, take chances and, most of all, you feel at home,” insists life coach, Leanne Fredrich. “Even if your passion requires solitude, you still need a tribe.”
Although your work may demand that you spend large amounts of time by yourself or with large groups you would not typically choose as friends, your tribe is a central network with whom you find trust, mutual support, and strength.
It is particularly difficult to find a new tribe after you have experienced a jolting life change such as geographical relocation, a job change, or relationship changes such as a divorce or death. Unlike family, Ken Robinson explains, “Tribe members can be collaborators or contributors.” He adds, “What connects a tribe is a common commitment to the thing they feel born to do. This can be extraordinarily liberating, especially if you’ve been pursuing your passion alone.”
In my book, Dreams to Action Trailblazer’s Guide
You may belong to more than one tribe. Consider these questions as you contemplate finding or adding new members to your tribes:
Spiritual Tribe
Do I have a regular practice of prayer or meditation?
Do I belong to a spiritual community?
How would I like to become more actively involved in spiritual community activities?
Health and Wellness Tribe
What changes in my diet would I like to make?
Do I want to develop an exercise routine?
What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my health?
Social Tribe
Do I have one or more close friends?
Do I take part in social activities?
How am I involved in active service to others?
Emotional Tribe
Do I have hobbies?
Do I take part in social activities?
How am I involved in active service to others?
Family Tribe
How do I define my family?
What family activities are important to me?
What can we do to more effectively support one another?
Mental and Intellectual Goals
What new skills or information would I like to learn?
Do I want to learn or pursue a new hobby or interest?
Where would I like to learn it?
Career and Educational Tribe
What is my ideal job?
What skills and knowledge do I use or need to maintain or pursue my career and educational goals?
How can I learn new skills and knowledge?
Financial Tribe
What resources are available to finance other goals?
How much would I like save and invest my resources?
How would I like my share my wealth with others?
Seth Godin, author of Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us, explains, “For millions of years, human beings have been part of one tribe or another. A group needs only two things to be a tribe: a shared interest and a way to communicate.” Trust your instincts to guide you to the right people. And trust your instincts enough to know when it is time to part ways with member of your tribe. Not all relationships are permanent – nor are they meant to be.
When someone enters your life for a reason, you typically share a common purpose, desire, or interest. Like an ad hoc committee, you move on after you meet or fulfill your common purpose. Relationships that evolve over the course of a season provide you with support, encouragement, and opportunities to learn and grow. Seasonal relationships may change when you move, change jobs, or change relationships. Lifetime relationships stand the test of time and are grounded in strong emotional commitments to one another. Even in death, the relationship can change, but the love endures.
Building relationships takes time. There are no short cuts. When you find your tribe – and when your tribe finds you – you will find and give support, encouragement, and strength. And you will find your home.
What type of tribe would you like to join?