This world was built for teams
Why you need a tribe - and a personal board of directors - to thrive.
I grew up in a big family and couldn’t wait to break free & conquer the world on my own. As someone with a rebellious spirit, I was tired of family unit decisions and shared sacrifices. Looking back, that may be where my premature side-eye toward only children began. But I learned quickly, figuring it out alone is a fast track to burnout. Somewhere along the way, we bought into a myth - that success is a solo sport. That the grind is noble, the climb is more meaningful if you do it alone. That if you want it badly enough, you’ll just figure it out. And that the win is sweeter when there’s no one to share the credit with. But here’s the truth: that’s not how life works.
This world was built for teams.
Behind every “self-made” success story is a circle - mentors, friends, peers, critics, therapists, and cheerleaders. People who kept the vision alive when the dreamer was running on fumes. People who held space, shared strategy, pulled strings, gave feedback, and offered grace. People who reminded you who you were before the rejection, the burnout, the imposter syndrome, or the 90th round of interviews with no callback.
No one makes meaningful change alone.
At a very young age, I’ve learned this the hard way…the beautiful way. The most successful people I know have a Personal Board of Directors:
A free-thinker to help them think big.
A realist to bring it back down to Earth.
A motivator who hypes them up when self-doubt creeps in.
A healer to help them process the heavy stuff.
And at least one friend who will send a funny meme or tiktok to keep you spirited.
Whether you’re navigating a career pivot, building something new, healing from something old, or just trying to stay afloat, it matters who you have around you and why.
Because your tribe does more than support you. They shape you. They reflect your blind spots. They challenge your mediocrity. They witness your growth. And they hold you accountable to the future you keep saying you want. So if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like you’re carrying the weight of your world, take a look at your “circle” and ask yourself:
Who’s in my corner right now?
Who speaks life into me when I’m out of words?
Who tells me the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable?
Who wants to see me win, not just watch me?
And if you come up short, that’s okay. The beautiful thing about life - and tribes - is that they can be built, curated, and evolved. One conversation, one connection, one honest moment at time. You build your tribe by showing up as your full self, even when it’s messy. You build it by asking for help, saying yes to community, and reaching out even when your voice shakes.
You build it by being the kind of person you want in your corner: generous, honest, affirming, and consistent.
You curate your tribe by being intentional about energy & alignment. Every connection isn’t meant to be permanent, and that’s not a loss, it’s clarity. Some people are anchors; others are lessons. Learn the difference and move accordingly.
As you stretch, your needs will shift. The support you need at 25 won’t be the same at 40. The friends who met you in survival mode may not know how to meet you in your soft life era. And that’s okay. Let people evolve. Let yourself evolve too.
Because building a tribe isn’t a one-time task, it’s a lifelong, soul-nurturing pursuit. And it just might be the key to everything you’ve been praying, planning, or pushing for.
This world was built for teams.
So go build yours.