Five ways to open yourself to building Your Best Life Team

What? I can’t believe it. You’re telling me you need help? Can I be completely honest with you? Get over yourself. Everyone who is anyone has a team. Take a peek into the greats, whether they are Olympic athletes or billionaires. The better and bigger you are, the more likely you have a team. And, if you are thinking, “well, they are compensated for their contribution, and I’m asking someone to help me, possibly for nothing or very little,” they had to start somewhere. Before there was a staff of many, there were a few people, inspired by the spark of a vision to contribute of their skills and talents.

To get started, you must make space, emotionally, intellectually, spiritually, even physically for people to be with you. Opening to the energy of this part of your journey will help you see your needs, the solutions around you and the ultimate journey to that reality you see for yourself.

Here are a few suggestions. Let’s begin!

• Admit that you actually need help.

Grudging acceptance is not enough. To access the full benefit of Your Best Life Team, you’ll have to embrace the realities of your limitations. You don’t have enough time. You don’t have the energy. You don’t have the capability to do it all yourself without sacrifice. Don’t you want to get as close to pure joy as possible? I do!

Start to think about what you do well and where you might allow others to be part of your story. Remember, you don’t have a team to do the dirty work you don’t want. You are making a conscious and intentional decision to receive what you need. Do you need to be pushed? Do you need accountability? Or perhaps you are looking for more specific information about technology or writing proposals.

Turn from resistance to proactivity and you’ll notice a difference immediately.

• Formally invite them on your team.

I find myself on teams all the time. I realize it a few weeks in, usually and I think, “did I forget that conversation where they asked me? They just keep asking for one more thing and it’s such a waste of favors AND my capacity to help. Sit down with the potential team member and honor them with the request. Allow them to decide if and how they can contribute. You’ll get better results later.

• Cast the vision.

Yes, that’s right, this “building your team” thing requires you to have your crap together as a leader. It’s really not efficient to keep people on the emergency line for one favor after another. Explain where you are going. Tell them about your vision for their place in your journey. Be specific about how often you will need them. That way, you can tap into their expertise, and strategic intelligence and they can start to invest their value immediately. Also, you will see whether they understand your big picture and give you the opportunity to determine their suitability on the team.

• Accept the Season.

There will be a few select people on your team “forever.” Think—Gayle and Oprah. But most of the time, even your family members will not be on the daily journey to your Best Life. Listen for the signs of the seasons. Not fearfully, because you worry about taking advantage of someone or you don’t want them to get sick of you. Instead, hear the movement of the season. Watch for the right time for your team member to leave. Watch for the new people who are ready to be part of your processes. And most importantly, don’t get mad. It’s natural.

• Accept Working with a Team is Slower.

Team work is not efficient. It’s expansive and aspiring. Have you heard the phrase, if you want to go fast, go alone? Yes, there are moments when you need to just do it. But when you are ready, slow down and allow people to have opinions, to learn your way. You will reach more people. You’ll get stronger. You’ll get further. I promise.

Embracing the idea you can’t do it alone is important! Not just because you need a team but also because as you find yourself on the Best Life Teams of others, the energy of your existence is filled with gratitude and kindness. Good luck!