Build a team

When you try to envision some new direction for your life, it is something that does not yet exist—you have to invent it. And similar to any creative process, it is useful to brainstorm your options with other people who have your best interest at heart.

Bill Burnett and Dave Evans write: “Designers believe in radical collaboration because true genius is a collaborative process. We design our lives in collaboration and connection with others, because we is always stronger than I—it’s as simple as that.”

Who is on your team? Who are the people around you that cheer for you and are invested in your success? There are three main roles that your team members can play:

Supporters are people who give you encouragement and constructive feedback. They can be your friends or just acquaintances.

Players are people who actively participate in your projects, they are your coworkers or simply “partners in crime”.

Intimates are your closest family members and friends. Intimates can be the best helpers, as long as they don’t have their own rigid ideas of a specific path for you to pursue.

This week take a moment to identify your team.

HOW TO: Spend time reflecting on who you get the most encouragement from and in what form. Who are your supporters, players and intimates? Some people could play multiple roles. Ideally, you would have 3-5 people to count on for sympathetic ear, useful feedback and ongoing encouragement.