Get It Together, Weirdo

The Power of Shared Goals: Connecting with Like-Minded Individuals to Stay Motivated

• Sarah Bowser, That Weird Nerdy Mom • Episode 26

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What if the key to actually following through on your goals wasn’t about more willpower or better time management, but about who you do it with? Collaboration can turn your chaotic, nerdy energy into focused progress. But where do you even find the people who will cheer you on without judgment?

In this episode of Get It Together, Weirdo, host and get your shit together coach Sarah Bowser shares the power of finding your people when it comes to getting your shit together. She covers why collaboration can transform your motivation, how to find people who align with your values, and what steps you can take to nurture those connections so they help you move forward instead of holding you back.

Sarah’s own life got more organized (and a lot more fun) when she started meeting with a “goal partner” and showing up for weekly coworking sessions. The sense of belonging she found was a game-changer for getting her shit together without burning out. If that sounds enticing, then this episode is for you!

Thanks for listening! You can find complete show notes for this episode on the podcast website:  getittogetherweirdo.com. While you’re there, sign up for weekly coworking on Mondays and hop on the email list to stay in the loop on new episodes, posts, and other tidbits Sarah shares.

Learn more about Sarah Bowser, That Weird, Nerdy Mom

Welcome to Get It Together, Weirdo, the podcast where we explore ways to help you conquer your to-do list, manage your side quests, and optimize your time according to your unique brain wiring, so you can focus on indulging in activities that truly light you up. I'm Sarah Bowser, your personal get your act together coach and fellow weirdo, here to steer you on this transformative journey. So, let's dive in, weirdo.

Hey there, my wonderfully weird friend! Welcome back to another episode of Get It Together Weirdo, where we ditch the rulebook, embrace the chaos, and uncover strategies to make life function harmoniously with our beautifully scattered minds. Today, we're delving into a game-changer that has the potential to revolutionize how you approach tasks, personal growth, and your overall outlook on the journey – collaboration.

I understand that the term collaboration may trigger memories of dreadful group projects from high school, where you ended up doing all the work while others coasted along. But fear not, this is not about carrying the load for slackers. It's about joining forces with someone in a manner that resonates with your core being, ultimately reshaping your objectives, mindset, and ability to follow through.

Let me share a glimpse into my own realm of chaos. I have this incredible friend, my seeker sister, and we are what I call goal partners. We go beyond the casual How are your goals going? texts. Twice a year, we engage in intensive goal-setting sessions, and monthly, we sit down, unpack our progress, highs, lows, and moments of overwhelm. It's raw, it's authentic, and it's incredibly valuable. We openly acknowledge our triumphs and our struggles, offering each other guidance to realign our thoughts. It's not therapy, not coaching – just two souls with shared values and unfiltered honesty creating a safe haven for each other. And that, my friends, is the secret sauce.

I also stumble upon this collaborative magic during our Monday co-working sessions. While we may be pursuing different tasks – from writing podcasts to budgeting or mastering the art of crochet – the collective energy is palpable. It keeps me on track, steering me away from my usual solo distractions like binge-watching Doctor Who or endlessly reorganizing my pen collection.

Collaboration isn't about relinquishing control; it's about cultivating support, fostering a sense of belonging, and establishing a soft landing spot for those moments when your mind feels like taking a leap. Why does collaboration hold such significance? Because, at our core, we are social beings. Even us introverts crave connection and camaraderie. The sense of belonging, the knowledge that someone is rooting for you not out of self-interest but genuine belief in your potential, is immensely empowering.

Collaboration instills accountability. When you share your goals with someone, a magical force field of responsibility is activated. You're no longer navigating your mental labyrinth alone; you have a gentle nudge, a supportive presence reminding you of your commitment. Their encouragement serves as a beacon, reigniting your motivation when it wanes.

Moreover, collaboration offers unwavering support. Even if your collaborator isn't well-versed in your endeavors, their listening ear, their cheers, and their words of encouragement hold immeasurable value. Feeling validated, feeling understood, and feeling supported fuels your self-belief. It's a transformative experience that nurtures growth and resilience.

But to embark on this collaborative journey, you must first discern your goals and values. Clarity is key. Without a clear vision of what drives you, who you aspire to be, you risk aligning yourself with individuals who may not share your enthusiasm or respect your aspirations. Begin by defining your true objectives, unclouded by external expectations. What sparks your passion? What ignites your soul? What propels you out of bed each morning, messy hair and all?

Once you've honed in on your essence, evaluate your current circle. Do you feel comfortable sharing your dreams with them? Do you feel seen and supported? It's essential to surround yourself with individuals who uplift and resonate with your journey. If your answer hovers around a hesitant shrug, it might be time to expand your circle.

Finding like-minded souls can be daunting, especially if past experiences have left you wary. Whether you're an introvert seeking solace or fearful of encountering conflicting ideologies, remember that connecting with your tribe doesn't necessitate uncomfortable networking events or compromising your values. Dip your toes into online communities, engage in bookstore meetups, or attend cozy gatherings hosted by local cafes. Start small, initiate conversations, and be receptive to diverse perspectives while staying true to your core values.

Once you discover your tribe, nurture those relationships. Support their dreams, lend an ear to their struggles, and celebrate their victories as if they were your own. Collaboration isn't solely about personal gain; it's a symbiotic relationship rooted in mutual growth and encouragement.

The key takeaway? You are not alone in this journey. Whether you're launching a business, managing ADHD, penning a novel, decluttering your space, or navigating the chaos of daily life, there exists a companion who comprehends your struggles, champions your progress, and mirrors your quirks and passions. Take that first step, reach out to a kindred spirit, share a goal, extend a listening ear. Initiate the collaborative dance, foster a sense of belonging, and witness your aspirations materialize.

And should you seek a community that resonates with your essence, remember, you're always welcome to join us for co-working sessions on Mondays. Feel free to drop me a message, share your thoughts, or simply connect. Let's navigate this journey together – messy, passionate, curious, and determined to thrive without succumbing to burnout or resignation. We've got this.

Thank you for tuning in today. For additional resources and community access, visit our website at getittogetherweirdo.com. Don't forget to leave a rating or review, and connect with me on Instagram @getittogetherweirdo. I'm all ears, so shoot me a DM. Until next time, my wonderful weirdo, remember – embrace your uniqueness, for that's where your strength lies.