How community enhances lives

If you’re considering joining a community this new year to enhance your life, you’re in good hands. I firmly believe that being a part of a community can take your life from 0 - 100. Unfortunately, this may not be the case in a handful of circumstances, but this shouldn’t discourage us from finding our tribe. 

In my years of building and nurturing communities, one thing that stands out is that the sense of belonging is an essential human need. The feeling of being a part of something bigger than ourselves, our needs or wants brings many benefits for individuals and society. 

I genuinely believe it is a natural desire.  

We define community as a group of people who share common interests, values and experiences. However, what makes it more profound than just a gathering of people is that they come together to support and uplift one another. 

Regardless of their structure or size, all communities have the power to enhance our lives in various ways. Here are three significant benefits from personal experiences:  

A source of inspiration and motivation: 

The community can be a powerful source of inspiration and motivation for individuals. Being a part of a community allows individuals to connect with others with similar interests, goals, and values. This sense of connection and belonging can provide vital support and encouragement, helping individuals stay motivated and focused on their goals.

For example, my small group of friends are a great source of encouragement and inspiration in one way or form. Coincidentally, we all work in the comms & marketing field. As a result, we sometimes find ourselves working towards a common goal, and we share helpful resources to reach this goal. 

A source of professional growth opportunities: 

The community can be a rich source of professional growth opportunities because it allows individuals to connect with others, learn new skills, and access valuable resources and support. Being an active and engaged community member can open new doors and pave the way for meaningful and rewarding career advancement.

I am a member of CMX (a community that helps professional Community Builders Thrive). This community of professionals provides a wealth of opportunities for my professional growth. I expand my knowledge and skills by simply engaging with others and learning from their experiences. 

A source of support and belonging:  

When people come together in a shared space or with a common goal, they can create a sense of connection and belonging that can be difficult to find elsewhere. One of the key benefits of a community is that it provides a sense of support. Whether it's emotional, practical, or even financial support, communities can come together to help their members in times of need.

As I bloom in my community management career, receiving support from the communities I manage and finding myself as a member is refreshing. The more I learn from these incredible people, the more I understand that being a part of something bigger than my values, goals etc., makes me grounded and secure. 

When finding a community, the first step is to identify what matters to you most and imagine what support looks like for you. Then, by building and fostering a sense of belonging in our lives, we can live happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.