How to Maintain Strong Friendships While Pursuing Personal Growth
It's normal to get wrapped up in your own stuff when you're trying to improve or reach goals. But your besties bring laughter, support and fun—don't ditch them! With a few simple moves, you can have both: kick-ass friendships plus personal growth.
Get Real About Your Needs
If you don’t understand what energizes you and what makes you want to hide under the covers, your people might start questioning your flakiness. So check in with yourself: what gets you pumped up or stresses you out? Then share the real deal so pals can be in your corner without making you feel guilty. Fair?
Chill About the Ebbs and Flows
Every season has its ups and downs—even with soul sisters. Cut yourself some slack during crunch times in life when you can’t connect like you used to. Same for them. Remind each other often that your bond is so much more than weekly happy hours. The foundation doesn’t crack just because life gets chaotic sometimes. You’ve got history.
Book Time Together Like It’s a Doctor Appointment
Your squad deserves protected spots on your calendar like any other crucial meeting when you're able. Even if you have to reschedule sometimes because of emergencies, they’ll appreciate knowing they’re a priority. Show up fully focused rather than squeezing them in. Effort goes both ways in fab friendships!
Speak Your Truth About Support Needs
Fill your friends in on exactly how they can cheer your growth journey—little texts, dropping off baked goods, being a sounding board when stuff gets hairy. Let them know it would mean a ton right now while you figure out changes or next moves. Support shouldn’t just run one way so make sure to do your part when they need someone in the bleachers, too.
Chat Openly About Your Ever-Changing Dreams
Keep your crew updated as your goals and dreams shape-shift—no judgment. Not everyone will fully get your restlessness to grow but some outside views from buds might click. And never stop listening when they spill their soul, too. Having different paths doesn’t have to mess with connection.
Step Up When Your Buddies’ Worlds Are Shaky
If someone you love faces health worries, breakups, grief over losing a family member, job switches or new parenthood, show up! Even if you’re drained from your own marathon, put that aside for them as much as you can. It comes back around when you someday need their shoulder, cookie deliveries or encouraging texts.
Let Go of Keeping Tabs
We all give-and-take differently depending on what’s shaking in life at the time. Instead of counting favors, cut each other some slack. One season your squad really needs you. Then it flips and you desperately need their energy and patience. Ebbs and flows, baby! Meeting halfway keeps your circle unbreakable.
Draw Support From All Kinds of Folks
When you’re mega focused on becoming your best self don’t just dump everything on your bestie. Branch out! Cultivate mentors, groups and new friends to uplift your journey so no one feels burnt out. Then take all that good stuff back to your day-one ride-or-dies later.
The Payoff of Balance
Giving your growth goals AND your soul sisters some TLC pays off huge. When both areas feel steady and strong all that good energy multiplies to help you slay obstacles and celebrate wins. Let yourself need personal greatness AND bestie bonds—both crucial and complementary parts for an epic life!
Stay Humble and Celebrate Together
When you finally grab that success you’ve worked years for, don’t shut out those who’ve had your back for ages! Celebrate with the real ones who deserve the praise and confetti for sticking by you before any wins when you were just a scrappy newbie. Pop bottles and toast THEM for never losing faith in you. Sweetest taste of success!
Don’t Go Radio Silent
Even if you only have minutes, quickly call or text buddies for check-ins when crazy busy so nobody feels ditched. Mutual updates during crunch times remind you both that your bond still matters, even if connecting fully has to wait a bit. Tiny glimpses maintain intimacy when you can’t give each other enough quality time.
