Whatever ambitious goal or dream you pursue in life, you can't get there alone. This is a simple enough truth that many people intuitively understand yet fail to act on fully.
Yes, you need to surround yourself with people who are more capable and experienced than you— individuals who can push you to raise your standards and level up your skills. But that's just the starting point.
The real key is ensuring those people are genuinely invested in your success. If your "support crew" isn't actively cheering you on, helping you through tough times, and giving you an occasional boost when you're running on empty, your motivation and momentum will inevitably fade.
Let's take cycling as an example. If you want to get faster on a bike, you have to be willing to repeatedly get "dropped" by your stronger cycling buddies—falling behind as they power up hills or accelerate away. This short-term pain is how you build your endurance and speed over time.
But if those buddies never wait for you or cheer you on when you're struggling, nor slot you into their draft when you’re gassed, how long before you start making excuses to skip group rides? The initial excitement and determination to improve will slowly be snuffed out.
This can be especially true for individuals with ADHD, who may face additional challenges in sustaining motivation. As Dr. Edward Hallowell has said, "The secret to thriving with ADHD is never to suffer alone." Having a genuinely invested support system is vital.
So, when assembling your crew—whether in sports, business, or life—be selective. Choose people who will celebrate your wins, support you during your losses, and stay committed to helping you reach the finish line—even if it means they have to slow down themselves at times.
Cultivating that level of genuine support and investment from your crew takes time and effort. But it's an essential ingredient for long-term motivation, resilience, and achievement. Without it, you're far more likely to burn out and become demoralized rather than celebrating your hard-earned success.
P.S. Much love to my crew: Adi, Jeremy, Brian, Rob, and many others—you know who you are! I’m thankful for your continued support!