Having a dream is important, but so is having a support system to back you up. It isn’t always easy to make a dream become a reality, which is why you need people in your corner. When it comes to a support system, there are probably several categories of support you need.
1–The cheerleader
This is the person to cheer you on when you feel down or disappointed, the person who 110% has your back. It might be a spouse, a parent, a sibling, or a friend. You may have several of these or only one; the quantity doesn’t matter as much as the quality. This is the person who will be by your side no matter how things shake out. This is your “YES” person.
2–The question-answerer
These are the people who have expertise in the areas in which you need help. It might be an attorney or a tax consultant. It might be someone who has done the thing you want to do already. If your dream is to open your own business, this is your neighbor who opened her or his own business three years ago and can tell you things you may not even think about. They can give your guideposts or caveats. Mentors are essential for any successful dreamer.
3–The devil’s advocate
Unfortunately, you need these people in your plan, even though they may seem like Debbie Downers. These are the folks who bring up the things you don’t want to think about or the things that you’re too excited about to notice. They are the ones who ask the hard questions like, “What is your Plan B?” or “Is there another way to do this besides the one you really like?” It may seem like they think your idea is bad or wrong, but in reality, they may only be trying to keep your heart from being broken. They may be very practical people who want you to temper your excitement a bit to see the possible flaws of the plan or the downsides. However, it is very important to distinguish a person who is pushing you to be better from a person who is a hater. Nothing will slow you down or even derail you like someone who does not truly have your best interest at heart.
4–The organizer
There are often a lot of things to juggle when you’re following your dream, so you need super-organized people in your corner to keep you on track. You will be managing a lot of different variables and it is helpful to have someone with a different purview from you.
5–And YOU
No one will believe in your dream like you do. No one will understand your vision like you do. Make sure you believe in you.