Find Someone who Energizes You
You have a project, a goal, a big and crazy idea that  you think might work. Your enthusiasm is bursting from the seams! But the road to success is a process, sometimes a long one. Not everyone in your life--family, co-workers, friends, acquaintances-- shares your unbridled enthusiasm.  They may not have the same ability to visualize as you do. Or the project is just out of their experience or understanding. And there are those who are just negative thinkers, who can't imagine someone they know coming up with a big idea and making it happen. Maybe your project isn't even that huge, it's just important to you. You want to get commit to an exercise program or lose weight. Finally build a shop in the garage. Make some change in your life. If if it's important to you, if it seems big to you, that's all that matters.

You need a synergy buddy!

Part cheerleader, part coach
A synergy buddy plays a unique role in your life. They are part cheerleader, part coach, part reality checker.  The biggest quality is that they believe in you. They have a positive, you-can-do-it attitude. They'll give honest feedback with sound reasons. A good synergy buddy has something they're working on too. You're a synergy buddy for them as well. A good synergy buddy relationship  works for both people with even give and take. Together you share your goals, your plans for achieving. Your synergy buddy might be your work-out partner. They motivate you to get out of bed in the dark to meet them for a run because you know they'll be waiting for you. You motivate them to do the same.  Synergy buddies are writers who critique each other's scripts, aspiring actors who encourage each other through endless auditions, entrepreneurs who share business plans, and friends who go to their weekly Weight Watchers meetings together.

Where are they?
A synergy buddy is sometimes a friend already in your circle. Often though, just as with finding a mentor, it's someone you have to bring into your life. Synergy buddies for your professional life are found in professional organizations and through networking. Find someone who is about at your same level in their work. This is different than a mentor. A mentor has already made it. You need them too. But your synergy buddy is someone who is walking in your shoes right now.  They understand your challenges right now.

I've found synergy buddies in writer's groups, professional organizations, and at work.  Begin talking to people.  Be aware if you feel a connection with them, if you like their energy.   Then make a working lunch appointment or set up a  phone call. DIscuss what kind of feedback each of you are looking for and how you can help each other. You're on your way to building a synergy buddy relationship!


(Share some of your synergy buddy stories. Post a comment!)