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72 m a s s a g e & b o d y w o r k n o v e m b e r / d e c e m b e r 2 0 1 8 5 WAYS TO CREATE YOUR TRIBE We've arrived at that often-precarious precipice where ideas meet action. You recognize the importance and value of creating a tribe, but you freeze before taking the first steps toward cultivating those relationships. Usually that's because you either have some internal work to do to overcome fears and/or you're not sure what steps to take to move forward. I wish you luck with the former and offer the following to help you with the latter. Here are five steps to help you find, build, and benefit from your tribes. 1. Clarify Start by asking yourself, "What do I want?" and "What do I need?" What gaps can you identify in your current support system? What do you have to offer others and what would you like to gain? What type of tribe would meet your current and most-pressing needs? The answers to these questions will help you focus your efforts and spend your limited time wisely. 2. Identify There are many different categories of tribes you can belong to and benefit from. Where do you start? To avoid feeling too overwhelmed, it may help to think of them in terms of two general categories: personal and professional. Then, within those categories, make a list of the different subsets that align with your interests. For example, I love triathlons, so I've been a member of running groups, but I had never joined a cycling group. I identified that I'd like to connect with other cyclists in my area (even though I'm a bit afraid of the dangers of big group rides on busy roads) so that went on my personal list. Prioritize your lists and identify one personal group and one professional group you want to focus your initial efforts on. 3. Research and Act Now that you've identified which two categories of groups you're excited to connect with, you've got to find them, join them, or create them! Sometimes it's as easy as identifying that you want to expand your connections with other small business owners so you attend the chamber of commerce speaker series or, for me, joining a local cycling group. Other times, you have to do some legwork and research. Use online resources and tools—like Meetup, Facebook, and Nextdoor— to help you find local activities with like-minded people. Read the online newspaper's upcoming event section to discover opportunities to meet others with shared interests. If you can't find a planned activity, you may need to be proactive and create your own connections. Call that acupuncturist you've been wanting to brainstorm with and invite her to tea. I chose to proactively get back in touch with my