I used to spend a lot of time sitting indoors, thinking that the outside world was just too overwhelming for me. I had no interest in going out and exploring what the world had to offer, and I took pride in my introverted nature. I thought that being alone was enough for me, that I didn’t need anyone else in my life to be happy.
But as time went on, I found that my solitude was more of a prison than a sanctuary. I began to realize that my fear of interacting with others was limiting me in my pursuit of my career goals. Whenever I came across opportunities to network or connect with others, I would shy away, thinking that I didn’t have what it takes to make a good impression.
It wasn’t until I met someone who showed me the power of association that I began to see the error of my ways. This person was someone who was constantly moving and shaking in the industry I was interested in, and they had achieved a level of success that I could only dream of. When we started talking, I was surprised to find that they had once felt the same way I did, that they had been hesitant to put themselves out there and that it wasn’t until they started connecting with others that their career really started to take off.
They showed me that association was more than just networking and making acquaintances. It was about building meaningful connections with others who shared your goals and values, who could offer you support, guidance, and even the occasional kick in the pants when you needed it.
With their help, I began to take small steps towards putting myself out there, attending events, and reaching out to people in the industry. And to my surprise, I found that people were more than happy to talk to me and share their experiences with me. I slowly started building relationships with others in my field, and the more I connected with others, the more opportunities seemed to open up for me.
Now, I can’t imagine going back to the days when I was content to sit alone and miss out on all the benefits that association with others can bring. I’m still an introvert at heart, but I know that there’s power in opening up and connecting with others who share your passion and drive. And by doing so, I’ve been able to take my career to the next level and achieve things that I once thought were impossible.
ReubenSipho 