What To Do When Your Circle Isn't Supportive

What To Do When Your Circle Isn't Supportive

 By Shannon Del Prince

Achieving a healthy lifestyle is never an easy feat, but it can be even more challenging when your circle isn't supportive of your journey to better living. There may be several different reasons as to why the people around you don't support you, but regardless of what those reasons are, it can be disheartening to not have your loved ones cheering you on.

Having a supportive circle can be so helpful when you're getting your fitness on, but what do you do when your friends and family don't support you in the ways you need?

Here are five things you can do to get through when you have a non-supportive circle of family and friends:

two women sitting on a bench outside having a serious conversation
Photo Courtesy of Sarah Chai on Pexels

1. Talk to Them

Honestly, lack of communication is often the solution to most issues. Have you made your circle aware of the fact that you are feeling unsupported? If not, it's worth a shot - especially if it's a relationship you value. Let them know that you are feeling disappointed and let down by the lack of support you are receiving. They may not be aware of how they are affecting you.

2. Have a Little Compassion

Take a moment to reflect on why your circle might not be supportive of you. Are they overwhelmed in their lives currently? Maybe they're lacking motivation and jealous that you were able to find the drive. Have compassion for your loved ones and consider the fact that they may not be aware of how they are affecting you. And if they are aware of the way they are treating you, distance yourself unless they are willing to adjust their behavior.

3. Inspire Them

woman lifting a barbell and looking motivated
Photo Courtesy of Sushil Ghimire on Unsplash

If your friends and family are not supportive of your fitness journey, maybe you could serve as an inspiration for them by showing them how healthy living can help you thrive. If they see the progress you make and how happy it makes you, they may feel inspired to follow the same path. This may not always work, but maybe you can motivate the people in your circle to join you. Support them, and in return, they may support you.

4. Let It Motivate You

Use the disbelief from your peers to drive your fitness goals. Maybe your circle has been saying things that make you feel down about yourself or that your goals are unrealistic. Take those harsh words and let them fuel your fire! Take their negativity and let it motivate you to show them what you're made of. Prove the disbelievers wrong and chase your dreams!

And if you need a little extra motivation, check out these tips to keep your focus in the right direction for meeting your fitness goals.

5. Find A Supportive Circle

group of friends smiling in a group hug
Photo Courtesy of katemangostar on Freepik

Sometimes, branching out to find a new circle that supports your fitness journey might be the way to go. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people is a great way to achieve your fitness goals. Finding a supportive circle can help balance out the non-supportive people in your life. Having a source of positivity and inspiration can be essential to living a healthy lifestyle.

Try these five things if you are feeling that your circle is being non-supportive on your journey to healthier living. Staying motivated without the support of your friends and family can be challenging, but with these five solutions, you may be able to transform your situation into one that allows growth for everyone involved.

 

If you have any questions or you would like to be a guest blogger, please email us at blog@liftingthedream.com

 

How do you stay motivated on your fitness journey with an unsupportive circle?

 

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