Writers Unblocked Magazine Volume 1/ Number 1

NO ONE SAID YOU
HAD TO DO IT ALONE:
How to Get the Support You Need to Succeed.
BY JOANNE DOMINICO, Learning Strategist | Libraries and Learning Centres
WHEN I REFLECT BACK ON THIS PAST
pandemic-filled year, I am pleased to see
that despite the many challenges, I have
managed to make some really great progress
in several areas of my life. I have managed
to create a routine that includes working out
more consistently, drinking more water, and
regular meditation and journaling. These
are all things I had been wanting to do for
years, but could never seem to find the time/
energy/motivation for. And when I think
about what contributed to these successes,
I realize that a lot had to do with the support
I received from others.
When I was younger I used to think that
being independent was a goal to strive
towards. That there would come a time when
I would know everything and be totally selfsufficient
and wouldn’t need to rely on others
for help. Now that I am working, I see that
those thoughts couldn’t have been more
wrong. I ask for help ALL THE TIME. I ask
my colleagues, my manager, my family, my
friends, and my spouse.
At the end of 2019, I joined a Mastermind
group with three other ladies. We meet onetwo
times per week and share our wins and
lessons; we set goals and hold each other
accountable. I am amazed at the level of
support this group provides and honestly
it has been a key factor in maintaining my
mental and physical health during this
pandemic.
According to Deputy General Counsel of
Detroit, Portis, 2020, “Research has shown
that having a strong support system has
many positive benefits, such as higher
levels of well-being, better coping skills, and
a longer and healthier life. Studies have
also shown that social support can reduce
depression and anxiety.”
We need support now more than ever as
we continue to navigate through these
challenging times. Having a support system
can make a huge difference. We truly need
each other in order to survive and thrive.
If you think you could benefit from some
support, here are some options to consider:
1) THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT!
It seems that there are countless apps for
pretty much anything these days. If you are
interested in tracking your habits or your
progress, try downloading an app to do it
for you. Habit tracking apps can work well
because seeing that you have completed a
task or have kept a streak going, can activate
the reward centres in your brain, making it
much more likely that you will want to repeat
the behaviour again in the future. Some of
my favorite habit tracking apps are; Habitica,
Habitify, Strides, and Coach.me.
VOL. 1 / NO. 1 • WRITERS UNBLOCKED
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