Many hurdles stand between you and the goal. Your biggest challenge could be a lack of direction, negative self-talk or something else entirely. Since it’s your goal, you may feel as if these challenges are yours to tackle alone. But no one’s designed to move through life on their own. Your friends want to help you succeed!

Don’t keep your goals in the dark. Surround yourself with people who will support you every step of the way.

Reasons to share your goal with a friend

The only person who can make your dreams a reality is you. That doesn’t mean you have to walk the road alone, though. Sharing your goal with a friend or support network increases your chances of getting there in the end. Here’s why supporters should be part of your journey.

• You care what they think: Fill your support network with people whose opinions mean a lot to you. Think of friends, teachers and mentors you respect and might even aspire to be like one day. Recent findings conclude that you’re more likely to succeed when highly regarded people supervise your progress. You don’t want to disappoint them, which can motivate you to stick to the goal.
• They hold you accountable: It’s hard to stay on track when your motivation wanes. If no one checks in on you, procrastination might push the end result further away. Explain your goals and what you’ll do to achieve them to your support network. When you feel like slacking off, remember that people are expecting you to follow through on your word. Staying committed is easier when others are holding you accountable.
• They point out your blind spots: Friends see things you might not be able to see in yourself. Negative self-talk can cloud your judgment, but outside perspectives offer clarity on your strengths and weaknesses. A good friend will be honest about how well you’re doing and which areas need more work. Their feedback can fine-tune your strategy and get you closer to the end goal.
• You’ll remember why you started: When you get lost in the grind, it can feel as though you’re getting nowhere. There will be days when you forget why you created the goal in the first place. As you start this journey, tell your support network all the benefits you’ll gain after crossing the finish line. They can help rekindle your motivation by reminding you why all the grueling work is worth it.
• They’re a fresh source of energy: Accountability partners aren’t in the thick of it like you. They’re not weighed down by the hard work and pressure of making it to the end. Friends can fill you with the energy, positivity and motivation to keep working toward your goal. Besides, no one knows how to cheer you up better than a good friend. Think of the support network as your very own cheerleading squad!

What your friends can do to help

A support network must understand the most effective ways to help you out. Pressuring you too much may cause anxiety, which can make it harder to work towards the goal. Here are some habits to try with your support network.

• Words of affirmation: Sometimes, all you need is a little encouragement. Ask friends to text you little reminders like “You got this” or “You’re stronger than you think!” It might not seem like much, but receiving these messages out of the blue can be enough to put you back in the game.
• Pics or it didn’t happen: In the world of social media, there’s pressure to photograph everything that happens in your life. When it comes to reaching your goals, this can actually be a good thing! If your goal is to run one mile a day, track your workout on a fitness app and send a screenshot to your friends. Whatever the task may be, capture tangible evidence that you completed it.
• Regular check-in meetings: Every once in a while, sit down with friends and reflect on your journey. Support networks offer a judgment-free zone where you can speak freely about how you’re feeling. This is the time to open up, be honest and ask for advice. Regular check-ins shed a light on how you can improve while celebrating how far you’ve come.

The road ahead won’t be easy, even with a support network backing you up. Take solace in knowing the hardest pursuits in life are often the most rewarding. Try not to compare yourself to other people, either. The goal is possible, and you’ll get there in your own time. Now get after it!