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The Power of Community: Why It’s Easier to Get Unstuck and Achieve Our Goals Together

Writer's picture: Amber HowardAmber Howard

I used to believe that my worth came from being the one who helped others, not the one who needed help. I was the person people turned to for advice, support, and guidance. But deep down, I never allowed myself the same grace. I was too ashamed to admit when I was struggling. I didn’t want to burden anyone. I told myself that my problems weren’t as important as theirs, that I could handle it on my own, and that, ultimately, no one could really help me anyway.


Looking back, I see the arrogance in that belief—the idea that because people came to me for help, they wouldn’t be able to help me in return. It left me feeling isolated, disconnected, and exhausted. I was surrounded by people who loved me, yet I carried my struggles alone. And the more I kept my challenges to myself, the heavier they became.


The truth is, we aren’t meant to do life alone. Community is essential—not just for achieving our goals but for feeling truly supported, seen, and connected. It’s in community that we get unstuck, gain perspective, and find the courage to take bold action.


Why Community Matters


Having the right people around us can be the difference between staying stuck and moving forward. When we are part of a strong, supportive community, we gain:


  1. Emotional and Practical Support: A great community offers both encouragement and tangible assistance. When things feel overwhelming, having people to talk to, problem-solve with, or simply hold space for us can make all the difference. It reminds us that we’re not alone, that others care, and that we have a network of support available when we need it.

  2. Accountability and Motivation: It’s easy to let ourselves off the hook when we’re alone. But when we’re part of a community, we have people who remind us of our commitments, encourage us to keep going, and celebrate our wins along the way. Accountability doesn’t just keep us on track—it helps us build momentum and confidence.

  3. Fresh Perspectives and Shared Wisdom: We all have blind spots. Sometimes, the solution to a problem is right in front of us, but we can’t see it because we’re too close. Being in community exposes us to different perspectives, experiences, and ideas that can help us find new ways forward. The people around us often see possibilities we wouldn’t have considered on our own.

  4. A Sense of Belonging and Connection: There’s something profoundly healing about being in a space where you feel truly seen and understood. Community reminds us that we are part of something bigger, that our struggles are not unique, and that we don’t have to figure everything out by ourselves.


The Impact of Going It Alone


For so much of my life, I operated as a lone wolf. I kept my struggles hidden, convinced that admitting I needed help would make me a burden. I believed my value came from giving, not receiving.


But beneath that belief was something deeper: I didn’t feel worthy of support. I thought that if I needed help, it meant I wasn’t strong enough, capable enough, or deserving enough. So I carried my struggles in silence, convinced that asking for help would somehow diminish me.


At the same time, I saw myself as the person others turned to. And that became part of my identity—the helper, the fixer, the one who had it all together. The idea that I could be on the receiving end of that support felt foreign. I had built a life around being the one people relied on, so I convinced myself that I didn’t need anyone to rely on in return.

But the truth was, I did.


And because I didn’t allow myself to receive that support, I often felt isolated, disconnected, and overwhelmed. No matter how many people surrounded me, I carried my burdens alone. I told myself that was just the way it had to be, but in reality, I had built my own cage.


It wasn’t until I started to let people in—to share what I was actually going through, to ask for help, to receive support without feeling guilty—that I began to understand the true power of community. And the more I allowed myself to be seen in my struggles, the lighter life became.


How to Invite More Community Into Your Life


If you’ve been going it alone, here are three ways to step into the power of community and start moving forward with more support:


  1. Reach Out and Share

    Start by letting someone in. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture—just a simple conversation where you share what’s really going on with you. Whether it’s a friend, a mentor, or a trusted colleague, opening up is the first step toward building deeper connections and allowing yourself to receive support.

  2. Find or Create an Accountability Circle

    Whether it’s a mastermind group, a personal growth community, or a weekly check-in with a friend, having accountability partners can make a huge difference. Surround yourself with people who challenge you, encourage you, and remind you of what you’re capable of.

  3. Be Open to Both Giving and Receiving

    Healthy communities thrive on reciprocity. Give support when you can, but also allow yourself to receive it. Let go of the belief that asking for help is a sign of weakness. Instead, see it as a sign of strength—the willingness to be vulnerable and connected.


You’re Not Meant to Do It Alone


Going it alone might feel like the safest option, but it’s often the hardest. We’re not meant to struggle in silence. We’re meant to support one another, lift each other up, and move forward together.


If you’ve been carrying everything on your own, I invite you to take a different approach. Reach out. Share. Let people in. You don’t have to do it all alone. There’s a whole world of support available to you—you just have to be willing to receive it.

And when you do, you’ll realize that life feels lighter, your goals feel more achievable, and the journey ahead becomes one you no longer have to walk alone.

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