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Writing this post has been some what like writing an undergraduate essay because I have changed my mind back and fourth so many times. I have analysed, evaluated and interpreted information (which is something that would have been most welcomed by my old Social and Political Science lecturers of time long gone).
So here is my quandary. I felt compelled yesterday that I wanted to write a post on the importance of working and socialising with like-minded people, both in your businesses and your personal life. Since mid November last year I can quite honestly say that I have met with some of the most wonderful, kind, caring, inspired and empowered people that I have ever had the fortune of connecting with.
On many occasions I have questioned the ‘good’ feeling I have in side of me, with questions like:
- How can this be possible?
- How is it that all of these people have just started coming out of the woodwork and why now?
- Where were all these people before?
- Isn’t it really strange that all these wonderful people were not connected before?
- Is this the law of attraction at its best?
- Have we all been hurtling together for years and now we are coming together, a meeting of the minds at last?
- Is this what happens when you start taking action?
- Is the result of making time in your life to be passionate to those things that really matter.
“Having the same ideas and tastes and agreeing mentally”
I don’t want to sound like a nutcase (although I have been called worse) but something is definitely happening right now and I like it. But as you can see all of the above is based solely on my own objective feelings and thoughts, the things that have happened to me.
There is a BIG part of me that feels that working with like-minded people in my personal and business circles is extremely beneficial. I have talked in previous posts about pruning those people that exert negative energies and zap us of our joy and I have definitely seen improvement from limiting the time I spend with these kinds of people.
“resembling or similar; having the same or some of the same characteristics”
So as I was researching this topic of like-mindedness, I noticed that there was very little information on this subject and I wondered why? Surely I can’t be the only person on this planet that feels like this in business? And then I stumbled across an article which flipped my thoughts on their head.
Now because I am a Libra and because I have a job which requires me to be strictly un-political in the interests of transparency and accountability of public services, policies and strategies here in the UK. (You will have to google Beth Hewitt Scrutiny Officer…It’s too difficult to explain today)…I often find it difficult having an opinion on anything. I have always been kind of happy sitting on the fence, not in a can’t be bothered or uneducated kind of way but in a I can clearly appreciate both sides of the argument kind of way.
So anyway in a blog post I found on like-mindedness the author stated:
“I have often objected to the idea of like-mindedness as an essential part of a community, because it is often a justification of the exclusion and inclusion of people.”
Hmm…I thought, I get what they are saying but I am not sure I agree with them. EUREKA I cry…have I just had my first real opinion in 29 years. Normally I would have said…Oh yes I see what you are saying I can see your point of view….but I didn’t!!
Now, the very idea of me never having had a STRONG OPINION before might seem absurd to you, but genuinely I have never been able to take a sides in my life, sometimes to my detriment when trying to decide on wallpaper or what we should have to eat, but often in a good way, because I have been open to the views of others with open arms and I have learnt to listen well.
Isn’t that the whole point about like-minded communities though? That they only attract a certain kind of person? The communities I have been involved in recently have not been judgemental or exclusionary. They have been places to live, share and ask questions. Perhaps the author was thinking about cultural or religious difference, perhaps they were talking about sexual orientation, belief systems, the colour of a persons skin, their occupation. I don’t know. All I know is that I see people as they ARE, when I think of someone I don’t think about what they look like or what they do for kicks but I see people for WHO THEY REALLY ARE.
Another point of me writing this today was to say thank you to some of the wonderful people that have come in to my life over the last 5 months and so in the style of Gwyneth Paltrow at the Oscars I will be naming some of the many likeminded people for inspiring me, welcoming me, lifting me up when I was down, giving me hope and continuing to shine you light in everything you do.
Watch my special Easter Monday thank you video to you ALL!!!!!
Ok so now that I have rambled on for what seems like an eternity. I just wanted to come back to the idea of like-mindedness in business and especially in Internet and Network Marketing. You see I firmly believe that if you are struggling in your business right now it might just be because you don’t really resonate with your mentor, your sponsor, your ‘friends’.
“Having a like disposition or purpose: the same mind or habit of thought”
You might not even have a mentor. If you feel like you are not really getting anyway with your marketing efforts then there is a good chance that you could greatly benefit from being part of a community that has members that have been through the same struggles, made the same mistakes but who have come out of the other side.
Finding like-minded people means that you have a sound-box to ask those all important questions without feeling that they are stupid questions. You are able to find solutions to everyday tasks, learn how to leverage your time better, learn about blogging and social media and the importance of social branding, learn how to market properly, make friends while you are doing it and most importantly have fun.
Think about it for a second. If you had a problem with work related stress, would you not want to find a group of people who felt the same way, who experienced the same frustrations and who were working together to make a big difference in their lives; and whose ultimate goal was to help and empower others to also get through difficult working experiences.
The differences between today and a 100 years ago is that the boundaries of the world have been knocked down and we are now more able to reach out to people from all walks of life who we genuinely feel comfortable with each other.
I can’t explain the feeling exactly but I know that those who I have connected with most recently all have a similar feeling right now and you have to admit that it’s a good feeling.
I would love to know what your thoughts are. What does like-mindedness mean for you. Have you seen the benefits of working with others that have similar outlooks on life
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April 6th, 2010 at 4:28 am
Thank you, Beth!
I am going to be sharing this especially with my new business partners. I used to wonder how much we should cut ourselves off from people in our lives that have a negative influence over others (Whether they know it or not).
The truth is, the more I study, and the more I develop my own leadership and/or abilities… neglecting those relationships almost become a by-product of our advancement! We don’t even know it’s happening until we say to ourselves… “mmm.. I wonder how John is doing? I haven’t seen/heard from him in ages!”
Law of attraction also has a law of repulsion. *wink!
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April 6th, 2010 at 12:58 pm
Great post Beth, I have found much of the same things, it is like more people who have the same or at least similar interest are coming into my life and I am finding that I am learning new things and in turn it is helping my business to take off like never before. The synergy that I have found has really been mind-blowing.
Lori
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April 7th, 2010 at 3:14 am
Hi Beth,
Great post. Like mindedness is a great topic. I was heard about the concept called “The Average of 5″ This concept stated that you are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with. The average in everything you do in your life, relationships, business, financial, etc.
I have come to realize that this is true for many people and they do not know how to get out of it. Seeking and being open to find like-minded people who are who you want to become is part of this great journey of life. Thanks for all that you share with us.
Make it a great day!
God Bless,
-ed
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April 7th, 2010 at 3:21 am
Beth, I agree that like-mindedness plays a role in who we surround ourselves with. But I do believe that it needs to be defined a little more. You don’t have to agree with everything a person believes in to enjoy spending time with that person. However, in the areas that are most critical for that relationship like-mindedness does make a huge difference. In other words if you are in the office, you will gravitate more towards those that have similar business views, whereas at home the business views are not as important, but the way your raise your children or the religious believes do count. That is why we have multiple people in our networks and circle of friends. They all fit a different need and bond through another common thread.
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April 7th, 2010 at 11:58 am
Hi Beth,
I like the first video with your daughter, it was funny and cool to watch
I love the mastermind group, it makes so much sense because all of a sudden we are surrounded by like minded and caring people who are all going in the same direction, with the same goals and dreams.
I actually stopped listening to all the negative comments, feedback, etc from my regular friends a long time ago. In the early days it was tough and I wish I’d had a mastermind group or tribe like this back then!
But, I continued and pushed through and now I’m here 5-6 years later, much stronger now
Thanks again for sharing,
Gavin Mountford
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April 7th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
Hi Beth, This post was SO Awesome, It truly does give a sensational feeling on the inside when you realize that like-minded people have made their way into your life. For me personally i have had more positive people come into my life in the past 3 months than i have a in probably the last 3 years. Its been such a blessing because they these folks radiate with positive energy. I also enjoyed the video.
Evin
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April 7th, 2010 at 10:46 pm
I think what happens most often is we get told two things from a very young age. We get told that having an opinion that doesn’t concede with the norm is bad. One is within the home environment..Watch a parents reaction to a pre-teen informing mom or dad their music is lame. Then in the larger social environment we hear the quote you referenced. The implication is clear… “if you have an strong opinion you’re a no-good exclusionist” (Okay so I may be making up words but you get the point.) It really really is hard to confess that we DO have an opinion and its NOT always the “right” one. The fact is though, whats right for us isnt always right for others. Congrats on aligning yourself with others that feel the same way. Rock on girlfriend!
Kimberly
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April 7th, 2010 at 10:58 pm
Beth,
What a powerful post! Even though you do state your opinion here, you still give space to the opposite view. I do not believe building relationships with like-minded people is exclusionary. All personal development information clearly advises to align yourself with people you resonate with who can support and encourage your growth and participation within the group.
Bringing supportive people closer and moving the negative forces farther away is healthy for your state of mind. I’ve also found the same energy flow with people I’ve come into contact with lately. I would not give up these special people for anything!
Stand strong in your convictions Beth!
Thanks for sharing,
Val
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April 8th, 2010 at 1:03 am
For some reason the video(s) did not show up for me…I’ll come back another time and check them out.
Making connections with like-minded people could be as simple as someone who likes the same beer or music or type of computer to having the same values and principles or beliefs.
I think if we are open to it…we have opportunity to connect to various people with whom we can build fuller and richer lives. Together…we are definitely better able to soar to higher heights than apart.
Being in agreement or disagreement about particular issues is not as much of an issue as being of like-mind in those things we are pursuing and finding that in pursuing those things with others the journey becomes a more exciting and pleasurable experience much of the time.
The energy created by a common direction, purpose and/or value within a group can be much more powerful than the same thing happening to an individual.
Thanks so much for the post and the great and wonderful thoughts behind it.
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Stew Shaw Reply:
April 10th, 2010 at 10:50 am
Bruce - The 2nd video fails to load for me too. I flicked over to Beth’s YouTube channel where I watched her Easter shout out to us all and was so impressed I left a congratulatory comment.
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Stew Shaw Reply:
April 10th, 2010 at 10:55 am
Sorry Beth. It works fine here now. Ah technology and its mysteries!
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April 8th, 2010 at 4:29 am
Hi Beth,
What a fun post that you have put together. I like that you had the help of Leah on it.
Hanging out with people that are like minded makes living life a lot more enjoyable. The energy level is completely different and when you get some synchronicity too it becomes a total blast.
It’s been great getting to know you and I know that all the people we’ve been coming in contact with lately is happening for a reason. Now, if we can just get the rest of the world on board.
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April 9th, 2010 at 5:45 am
Hi Beth,
Your daughter is soooo cute! What a bonus for your post!
I loved hearing how you’re attracting positive people into your life - and about your ability to see both sides of the story. That’s a wonderful gift.
My business definition for like mindedness is “having enough in common to be able to work productively together.” There’s still plenty of room in that definition for individual personalities, but you have enough common ground to move forward on a project.
Until your next great post,
Teresa
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April 10th, 2010 at 12:01 pm
Beth, I googled your job role as you suggested, and wooo, no wonder you have stress to the max at work! Hearing local councillors argue over this and that, and your not being able to say boo would be like Vesuvius about to erupt at any moment!
Totally loved your 2 videos - a delightful incorporation of your little Leah too. A future YT sensation in the making, methinks! Anyway, you asked 2 things:
(1) “What does like-mindedness mean for you.” OK, in the context of your post I think it’s the wrong term. Your description of the rewarding experiences you’re enjoying with your online communities isn’t due to like-mindedness; it’s due to this wonderfully inclusive approach of yours: “I see people for WHO THEY REALLY ARE.” This is absolutely the essence of how to make valuable connections. I work nights as an RN - and I can tell that many of my patients too easily get pigeon-holed by other nurses as unpleasant to look after. But dealing with people using your maxim makes ALL the difference in enhancing the quality of a relationship that may last no longer than 8-10 hours, never to see each other again. I’m a better person for having engaged openly and without bias towards people who are at their most vulnerable. What lifestyle choices, etc got them into hospital’s not really my business.
(2) “Have you seen the benefits of working with others that have similar outlooks on life?” Yes of course. This is when synergy’s magic can work its wonders. Gavin mentioned the advantages of masterminding. Every fortnight a fellow newbie internet marketer and I have a mastermind skype session between California and Queensland, Oz, to touch base, encourage each other, share what’s working and what our plans are. The 2 of us met at an IM conference in Vegas last July, so our common ground was learning how to make money online. But had we not linked up in this way, by now both of us might have given up on the dream of developing online businesses that will eventually replace our day jobs.
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April 19th, 2010 at 12:25 am
A great post Beth.Your daughter is adorable.Making connections with like minded people is fun and also a great learning experience. I do my best to ignore negative people and words. If someone has a different opinion than mine that’s okay. Gives me things to talk to them about.
Thanks Beth!
Beverly
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April 19th, 2010 at 4:39 am
Hi Beth, This post was SO Awesome, It truly does give a sensational feeling on the inside when you realize that like-minded people have made their way into your life. For me personally i have had more positive people come into my life in the past 3 months than i have a in probably the last 3 years. Its been such a blessing because they these folks radiate with positive energy. I also enjoyed the video.
Evin
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May 8th, 2010 at 5:26 pm
What a charming and inspiring post! As I see it, an inherent propensity of our human nature-and of ALL of nature, for that matter-is to coalesce and bond selectively with others. In keeping with the old adage, “birds of a feather flock together.” It seems to me that, in order to actualize our full potential as individuals, it’s crucially important that we join forces with like-minded others.
During my past career as a psychologist, I was actively involved in facilitating small, face-to-face groups in learning how to utilize their collective resources effectively in problem-solving. Through this work, I repeatedly observed the incredible power of the “group mind” at work.
When groups of people work together skillfully, not only do they consistently develop superior solutions to problems of all kinds, but they also enhance the self-esteem and satisfaction of their individual members. In brief, such groups foster the full blossoming of these members.
The only potential downside I see in joining with like-minded others is divisiveness-i.e., a fostering of “us vs. them.” Unfortunately, this strong human propensity and prominent side-effect of human bonding has been-and continues to be-a cause of great suffering and destructiveness in our species throughout the world.
So, in choosing to join and bond with like-minded others, I think that it’s important to honor and respect “unlike-minded” others as well and to seek ways of developing harmonious relationships with them as well.
Thanks so much, Beth, for creating this great forum on this highly important topic.
To Peace and Harmony,
George
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