Strength in numbers is the current team motto of the Golden State Warriors. Strength in numbers is often the main ingredient to success in a lot of different realms. Let’s look at the Seattle Seahawks for an example. This team’s fans have their own role each game and have come to be known as the 12th man. Football is played with 11 players on the field so the fans, as a big rowdy group, are the 12th player that the opponent has to face. The idea behind all of this is that if you want success, you need to have a good circle of people around you. Surround yourself with people who make you better. I have plucked many people out of my circle. Not because they were bad people, but because we were simply on different wavelengths.
It’s important to be a lone beast in many different facets of our lives. However, in order to tackle a bigger target, we beasts need to come together and work as a pack, such as wolves and lions do. Making sure you have people around you that want to see you succeed and want to help you get there is very important. Many times when people are trying to obtain one of their fitness goals, one of their limiting factors is their closest circle. Your circle may talk shit, asking, “Why do you even want to work hard?” or they just get mad at you because you want to work out instead of going to the bar. This can be very frustrating. It makes you question your want and will, especially when it’s coming from spouses, family, friends etc.
In a country where obesity rates are on the steady incline, expect people to not understand the reasons of your actions at first, or ever. You do not need to cut these people out of your life. I am definitely not suggesting that. Instead, try to find a community you can join that is aiming for your same goals. That way you have time where you are surrounded by people who understand or who you can communicate with that have done what you desire. This community feeling is the number one thing I think CrossFit got right and can be attributed to most of the success they have found. However, I am not suggesting CrossFit. Instead, find a different community outlet. Communities can be in the form of a gym, a personal trainer, an online group, etc.
You are not alone in this. A community will help curb that lonely feeling and will make consistency a lot easier. You will then have people that you may start to look forward to seeing or who hold you accountable. Habits are made this way. You will find yourself doing things you don't want to do at times because you don't want to let your “team” down. If you want to be strong, doing things that you know are good for you during times when you really don't feel like doing shit at all is what will get you there.
Strength in numbers is beyond beneficial no matter what you want to accomplish, not only relating to fitness but also in life. You are only as strong as the weakest link. Cliché but so true. You can grow into a better human being exponentially faster once you surround yourself with the right people. It's ok to ask for help. Don't be scurred, needing help with something does not make you weak, it makes you smart. Dumb people think they know everything. Smart people know what they know and ask when they don't. Be smaht.