We all long for deeper, more meaningful relationships. Whether it's with our partners, friends, family, or even colleagues, we crave connections that support our growth and nourish us.
But here’s the reality: not all relationships are built to do that. In fact, many of the relationships we maintain can subtly hold us back, draining our energy instead of lifting us up.
I’ve been there, and I see it often with the women I work with. We stay in relationships out of habit, obligation, or fear of being alone. But if we want to grow, evolve, and reach our highest potential, we need to surround ourselves with people who support our journey—not those who keep us stuck.
What Do Growth-Oriented Relationships Look Like?
Growth-oriented relationships are connections where:
Mutual support is the foundation. These are the people who genuinely want to see you succeed and who celebrate your wins as much as their own.
Honest communication is encouraged. In these relationships, you’re free to express yourself fully without fear of judgment or rejection. Vulnerability is welcomed, and deep, meaningful conversations are a regular occurrence.
Shared desire for evolution is present. The people in your life push you to grow, challenge your limiting beliefs, and inspire you to be the best version of yourself. They don’t hold you back—they encourage you to take risks, follow your passions, and pursue your dreams.
This kind of connection can show up in different areas of your life. Here are a few examples of what they might look like:
In Friendships: You have a friend who constantly encourages you to go after what you want in life. They remind you of your strength when you doubt yourself and provide a safe space to share your fears and hopes. They also challenge you when you’re playing small, nudging you to expand beyond your comfort zone.
In Romantic Relationships: You’re with a partner who not only loves and supports you but is also committed to their own growth and personal development. They don’t just settle for the status quo—they want to grow with you, both individually and as a couple. Together, you hold each other accountable for pursuing your dreams and living in alignment with your values.
In Professional Relationships: You have a mentor or colleague who sees your potential and encourages you to push your boundaries. They offer constructive feedback, support your professional development, and genuinely want to see you succeed in your career. They don't compete with you; instead, they help you thrive.
Are Your Current Relationships Helping You Grow?
Take a moment to reflect on the relationships in your life. Are they helping you evolve into your highest self, or are they keeping you in patterns that no longer serve you? Sometimes, without even realizing it, we allow ourselves to stay in connections that feel familiar but ultimately limit our growth.
Ask yourself:
Who are the people in my life that truly support my growth?
Are there relationships where I feel drained, diminished, or stuck in old patterns?
Where might I need to set new boundaries to protect my energy and growth?
Who am I ready to invite into my life that will help me on this journey of expansion?
Creating New Boundaries and Calling in the Right Connections
Setting boundaries doesn’t have to mean cutting people off entirely, but it does mean being mindful of how much time, energy, and emotional investment you put into relationships that don’t support your growth.
It’s about protecting your energy and ensuring you have space for connections that nourish you.
If you’re feeling the need for more growth-oriented relationships, start by being intentional. Call in the people who resonate with your values, who challenge you to grow, and who celebrate your journey with you. You have the power to create connections that uplift you.
Growth is a journey, and it’s one we don’t have to take alone. When we surround ourselves with people who encourage us to become the best version of ourselves, we can achieve incredible things.
So, what’s one step you can take this week to nurture a growth-oriented relationship? Whether it’s having an open, vulnerable conversation or creating space for new connections, I encourage you to take a step toward deeper, more meaningful relationships.
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