With an increasingly busy schedule, it’s easy for many of us to feel overwhelmed, become disconnected, and get burnt out. This can lead to over-delivery, a lack of intentional connection and a constant feeling of balancing on the teetering brink of burnout.
Add to that the exponential challenge of imposter syndrome (which studies show 70% of people experience) and burnout may threaten to become a new default. However, I have seen a powerful antidote to this pervasive sense of exhaustion and isolation is being authentically connected with others in community found by intentional networking.
Networking isn’t just about clinking bad wine over tuna casserole while making small talk; if you’re intentional about who you connect with, deep connection and opportunities naturally emerge.
It’s like jumping on a trampoline you don’t know how high you’re going up (if you’re me), but one thing’s for sure—network a bit, and you’ll effortlessly be carried to new heights. It’s a cheesy example but true. When we come together with others who share our passions and values, or open our minds to stretch we create a fertile ground for healing and growth.
Intentional networking is intentionally pinpointing peers, partners, mentors, friends and allies inside and outside of organizations. Some think this is political, but any decision is made with more ease when alignment, trust and connection are already in place.
Don’t wait to need something before you ask. Networking isn’t just about building career opportunities; personal connection is about the change in us that occurs through actively seeking allies and ideas that spark our imagination and humanity. By surrounding ourselves with high-level perspectives and experiences, we open ourselves up to new insights, inspiration, and possibilities.
In the battle against imposter syndrome, community and belonging emerge as potent elixirs. By surrounding ourselves with understanding, support, and shared experiences, we find the strength to challenge our inner critic, embrace our authenticity, and step boldly into our greatness.
So, how will you lean into the healing power of community and forge intentional connections that nourish your humanity, while creating opportunities that lift us higher than we ever thought possible?
If you want specific examples of how networking for connection can result in miraculous opportunities and connection, reach out to connect with me.
