How to Use Community for Personal Transformation

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By Audrey Seymour
To transform society into new paradigm ways, we must first face the challenge of transforming ourselves and our own behavior.

Have you noticed that no matter how many trainings you take and how much inner work you do, the path of change still isn't easy? It's because we are creating entirely new perspectives that have never been seen before.

Do you try to do too much of it on your own? Do you tend to treat yourself with too much discipline structure and too little community structure? Consider that you may need less "just try harder" and more "just reach out more."

It's common to feel that personal transformation is a private affair, and to forget that returning to wholeness includes the fact that we are tribal and thrive when connected.

The kind of changes we need require our full heart and soul.Soldier-style discipline will not take us out of old-paradigm thinking. On the other hand, letting ourselves be inspired and held accountable by like-minded others allows us to stretch while keeping our hearts open.

10 years ago when I left the corporate world to start a business coaching practice, I blindly continued my Type-A behavior and tried to force my progress. Luckily my body rebelled! I had to slow down and find a new way forward that allowed for more heartfelt connections and presence.

Are you trying to create new paradigm results with old paradigm heroic methods?

Here are common limiting beliefs that might be keeping you from taking advantage of the power of community:

1. I don't need any help because I know what I need to do; I should just try harder.
2. If I don't push for change, nothing will happen.
3. If I invite others into my process, I might listen to their opinions rather than my own heart.
4. If I let people know I need help, I will lose respect in their eyes.
5. I don't have the time and/or money that ongoing support would require.

Take a moment to explore what might be keeping you from receiving the full gift of transforming while in relationship with others.

After several decades of inner work I'm very familiar with the terrain, but every time I treat myself to a mastermind group or coaching session I am struck with the acceleration available. I'm not talking here about being exposed to new ideas, because that can happen in informal settings or on your own. What I'm pointing to is the kind of ongoing mirroring and reinforcement that allows us to gain traction in those slippery places.

Being witnessed by another or a group in a safe setting allows our deepest intelligence and wisdom to arise, take shape, and have a bigger impact on the world. Consider forming a mastermind group or partnership, hiring a coach or taking a class.

What challenges might you be able to dissolve with solid community at your back? What form of alliance would inspire you the most?

Audrey Seymour MA PCC is the founder and principal of Clear Change Group. She and her team help mission-based businesses increase their impact and financial flow. Visit www.clearchangegroup.com to view our library of articles and resources and receive your copy of "Eight Mistakes That Keep Change Agents from Making a Difference."

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