The biggest startup successes – from Henry Ford to Bill Gates to Mark Zuckerberg – were pioneered by people from solidly middle-class backgrounds. These founders were not wealthy when they began. They were hungry for success but knew they had a solid support system to fall back on if they failed.

–      Eric Ries

After passing out of IIT, he was working in a good company with a good salary package. But, he was not happy. He wanted to make a greater impact by starting a software company that can cater to the evolving need of the world. He was struggling to move forward. At that critical juncture, his wife offered him her entire saving and inspired him to go ahead with his idea. Six of his friends also came forward to support his idea. So, through the magic of the support system, one of the best software companies in the world, Infosys could be founded. Narayana Murthy with his six friends co-founded this company with $250 (Rupees ten thousand at that time) borrowed from his wife, Sudha Murthy. Having the emotional and financial support of his wife, and trust in his friends, Murthy could take the bold step of leaving his promising job and entering the business domain at a time when Governmental policies were not very supportive.

You needed support from your mother to develop and take shape even before you entered this world. You also needed support, the moment you entered this world. This support is provided by a doctor or nurse or health worker or any other person. Throughout your life, you will need support in one form or another. On the road to your growth, you will get many obstacles, roadblocks, bumps, and downward as well as upward slopes. To overcome these challenging situations and maintain your balance, you will need a trustworthy support system.

 You need a solid support system to keep you on track to fulfilling success. An ideal support system consists of emotional support, financial support, knowledge support, and many other small variations. Surround yourself with people who make you happy and inspire you to give your best. This can comprise your loved ones, family members, friends, colleagues, managers, members of your networking groups, or anyone you trust. It is perfectly all right to want help. To be more effective, practice asking and listening. Maintaining old habits requires little effort but inculcating new habits requires support structures and persistence.

It makes me sad to read news of suicides. I don’t remember a single day when there is no news of suicide in the newspaper. This is a very sensitive issue. we need to find out the root causes of such trends that accumulate into depression or go to the extent of suicide. I believe a lack of self-belief and a trustworthy support system are two major causes. Victim mindset takes control of these persons and they keep on thinking that they are unable to solve their problems. Nurturing an effective friends’ ecosystem and building your support system is an important necessity. Build yours and help others in building theirs.

Associating yourself with good-quality people is the basic building block of expanding your support system.

Benefits of Support System

There are many benefits to having a support system in life. Some of the benefits include:

Emotional support: A support system can provide emotional support and help you feel less alone when facing challenges or setbacks.

Encouragement and motivation: Having people in your life who believe in you and your goals can provide encouragement and motivation to help you stay focused and on track.

Advice and guidance: A support system can provide valuable advice and guidance as you navigate different challenges and make important decisions.

A sense of belonging: Having a support system can help you feel connected and a part of a community, which can provide a sense of belonging and support.

Increased resilience: Having a strong support system can help you cope with difficult situations and be more resilient in the face of challenges.

How would you describe your support system? To better understand your support system, ASK YOURSELF:

• Do you have people in your life who believe in you unconditionally?

• Do you have people in your life who are positive and have time and energy to listen to you and encourage you?

• Do you have people in your life who are ready to help you whatever the condition?

• Do you have friends you can have fun with and are your stress busters?

• Do you have supportive family members who embrace you irrespective of your success or failure?

If the answers to these questions are yes, CONGRATULATIONS!

If not, go ahead and BUILD YOUR SUPPORT SYSTEM.

Key Pillars of an Effective Support System

There are several key pillars of an effective support system. These include:

Communication: Good communication is essential for building a strong support system. This means being open and honest with your support system about your needs and goals, and actively listening to their perspectives and advice.

Trust: Trust is a crucial component of any support system. It’s important to choose people who you trust to be there for you and who you can rely on for support.

Empathy: Having empathy for one another is important for building a strong support system. This means being able to understand and feel what others are going through, and being able to offer support and understanding.

Respect: Respect is another important pillar of a strong support system. This means valuing the thoughts, feelings, and needs of others, and treating them with kindness and consideration.

Flexibility: An effective support system should be flexible and able to adapt to changing needs and circumstances. This means being open to trying new approaches or finding creative solutions to problems.

By building a support system that is based on strong communication, trust, empathy, respect, and flexibility, you can create a strong foundation for achieving your goals and supporting one another.

Building A Support System

Having a support system can be a crucial factor in achieving your goals. Here are some tips for building a support system to help you achieve your goals:

Identify whom you want in your support system: Think about whom you trust and who has the skills, knowledge, or resources that can help you achieve your goals. This might include friends, family, coworkers, or even a therapist or coach.

Communicate your goals and ask for support: Once you have identified whom you want in your support system, it’s important to communicate your goals and ask for their support. Let them know specifically how they can help you and what you need from them, whether it’s by offering encouragement, accountability, or practical assistance.

Make a plan and set clear expectations: Work with your support system to create a plan for achieving your goals. Set clear expectations for how often you will communicate and how you will stay accountable to each other.

Stay connected and check in regularly: Regular communication and check-ins with your support system will help keep you on track and ensure that you have the support you need to achieve your goals.

Explore the resources and organizations that can help you achieve your goals. These might include online communities, local support groups, or professional organizations.

Seek outside help when needed: If you feel like you need additional support, don’t be afraid to seek out additional help. This might include seeking the help of a coach or reaching out to a mentor, or another professional.

Remember, building a strong support system takes time and effort, but it can make a big difference in your ability to achieve your goals.

There is no doubt that it is around the family and the home that all the greatest virtues, the most dominating virtues of human society, are created, strengthened, and maintained. Having a family guarantees that you have a built-in support system, and although that support system may not always be what you want it to be, when it comes down to the wire, your family will love you and stand behind you, no matter what.

–  Winston Churchill