As we come off Meltdown 24 and there is a rush of placements in 3P (our free online accountability program available to anyone who has completed an 8 week program) I am reminded of a great book I recently re-read: Vital Friends, the eight types being well-summarized here.
The author posits that many of us have a handful or fewer of close friends who largely influence our lives, for good or for ill. Those who influence for the good may inhabit one or more of the following categories:
- Builder
- Champion
- Collaborator
- Companion
- Connector
- Energizer
- Mind Opener
- Navigator
When I think of the people who most affected me in the beginning of this program, Cardio BIll was certainly my builder. Jen Goins as my food coach was my champion, cheering on each day. Leah Mathews excelled as a collaborator as a fellow first-time Meltdowner - we shared a lot of the same classes and were working toward similar goals. David Fletcher has been a mind-opener.
Who are the people in your life - whether in the studio or your 3P group, or at home, who are there for you in your wellness journey? In the inimitable words of Telly Savalas, “Who loves ya, baby?” Promoting those relationships is like shoring up your defenses against the Huns. Or the Honey Buns.
Who are YOU to other people? Is someone else in need of your guidance? The most common concern I hear from 3P members is what to do when someone is clearly struggling. “You’ve got this” only goes so far day after day. I suggest start with asking questions - it can be as simple as an open-ended, “Can you tell me about that?” You may be surprised what comes out.
Need a Vital Friend? Reach out! The Meltdown Nation stands ready.
