We often talk about rooting for our favorite sports teams, but how often do we focus on who we root for in our personal lives and how we make that support explicit.
I thought about that today since when people root for you, they truly inspire your good energy and best efforts. Sometimes as a school teacher, I'd give a cheer in front of the class to root my students on with regard to a class or individual goal. I loved that aspect of teaching. To root the students on resulted in their good energy and positive results.
I also love rooting on my close family members and friends--I like to do what I can to help them achieve the goals and pursuits they aim for. I want to be there for them in positive ways.
Similarly I am thankful for those that root me on. Recently, with regard to a personal goal, a good friend rooted me on, and her kind words were ever so helpful to me as I navigated what was a tough transition with a loved one.
How can we best root each other on in life--what does that cheering look like?
Know your loved ones' goals, desires, dreams, and ambition
Before you can root someone on, you have to know what that person truly wants and desires in life. To know that takes keen listening and observaion. You have to spend meaningful time with another to undersand who they are and what ehy want.
Know what they need and want in order to achieve their goals and dreams
You may want to simply ask your loved ones, What can I do to support you? Or you may want to try out different kinds of supports to see what truly uplifts those you love. Finding the best ways to root someone on takes some time and thought, and when you do find out what works, keep making that happen.
Make time for the cheerleading and make it explicit
Words alone don't do the good work possible when it comes to cheering on those you love. Good action works better, and to act well typically takes good time and planning. For example, a loved one asked for help as he worked on an essay recently--to truly help him will take good time and good thought. That investment in time is far better than words alone--that is an explicit cheer, a true way to root someone on.
Respect their dignity
To cheer someone on well is to respect their dignity, need for privacy, space, and time. Good cheerleading is not intrusive, but instead sensitive, kind and caring. Good cheerleading also often includes a sense of humor and lightheartedness that enriches an individual's quest rather than weighing them down.
We all need cheerleaders in life, and we all have the potential to root for those we love and care about in explicit, meaningful, and uplifting ways. These actions truly do lead to good living for ourselves and others. Onward.