Podcast Summary: The Goal Digger Podcast – Episode 850: "Stop Doing It Alone: How to Create a Circle That Lifts You Up"
Release Date: February 5, 2025
In Episode 850 of The Goal Digger Podcast, host Jenna Kutcher delves into the pivotal topic of combating entrepreneurial isolation by building a supportive and uplifting circle of connections. Titled "Stop Doing It Alone: How to Create a Circle That Lifts You Up," this episode offers actionable strategies, personal anecdotes, and insightful discussions aimed at helping entrepreneurs foster meaningful relationships that nurture both personal and professional growth.
Introduction: The Myth of Solitary Success
Jenna Kutcher opens the episode by addressing a common misconception in entrepreneurship—the belief that success must be achieved in isolation. She highlights the emotional and psychological toll that loneliness can take on business owners, especially women entrepreneurs juggling multiple roles. Kutcher emphasizes that building a supportive community is not just beneficial but essential for sustained growth and well-being.
Notable Quote:
"Loneliness is a real issue, especially for women entrepreneurs. Our bandwidths are already stretched so thin."
— Jenna Kutcher [02:15]
Understanding the Isolation in Entrepreneurship
Kutcher explores why entrepreneurship often feels like a lonely journey. She touches upon factors such as imposter syndrome, the unique challenges of carving one's own path, and the difficulty of balancing business demands with personal life. These elements contribute to a sense of isolation, making it harder for entrepreneurs to seek and find support.
Statistics Highlight: A 2019 study by Practical Journal revealed that 100% of founders surveyed described their experience as lonely, with 77% reporting that running a business negatively impacted their mental health.
Tip 1: Identify and Engage with Admirable Individuals
Actionable Strategy: Kutcher advises listeners to identify someone they admire—this individual doesn't have to be a famous figure but someone whose qualities or achievements resonate personally. She encourages actively engaging with their content, offering sincere encouragement, and reaching out to build connections.
Notable Quote:
"I reached out to some of my top commenters and just send them a DM. Just saying thank you... Is there anything I can do for you?"
— Jenna Kutcher [15:30]
Tip 2: Shift from a Competition to a Collaboration Mindset
Kutcher emphasizes the importance of abandoning the scarcity mindset that views others as competitors. Instead, she advocates for an abundance mindset, where sharing and collaboration are prioritized. This shift fosters a community where entrepreneurs can support each other, share resources, and celebrate collective successes.
Personal Anecdote: She shares her journey from feeling isolated in her early photography business to discovering the power of collaboration, which significantly reduced her sense of loneliness and opened doors to new opportunities.
Notable Quote:
"Entrepreneurship is isolating if you create an isolating experience. But it doesn't have to be that way."
— Jenna Kutcher [22:45]
Tip 3: Cultivate Local Friendships
Kutcher discusses the profound impact of local friendships on personal and professional life. Moving back to Minnesota, she recounts how building local connections enriched her life, providing a support system she once lacked. Engaging in community activities, such as join a rowing team or attending local classes, can lead to lasting and meaningful relationships.
Personal Story: Her experience relocating and the subsequent challenges in forming new local friendships underscore the value of stepping out of comfort zones to meet new people.
Notable Quote:
"Having friends that live locally to you is life-changing. It makes all the difference in the world."
— Jenna Kutcher [35:20]
Tip 4: Open Up and Communicate Your Needs
Kutcher highlights the necessity of communicating openly with loved ones about one’s work and personal challenges. By sharing the nuances of her professional life with her partner, she fosters a deeper understanding and support system. This openness can bridge gaps and ensure that those close to you are aware of how to provide meaningful support.
Therapeutic Insight: During a conversation with her therapist, Kutcher realizes the importance of initiating conversations that allow others to understand and support her work-life balance.
Notable Quote:
"If you want to feel seen and understood, crack the door open a little bit more and figure out ways to communicate that."
— Jenna Kutcher [45:10]
Tip 5: Immerse Yourself in Communities and Networking Opportunities
The final tip focuses on actively participating in communities—whether through masterminds, conferences, networking events, or online groups. Kutcher shares her transformative experience of joining her first mastermind in 2017, which significantly altered her business trajectory by connecting her with like-minded individuals who provided accountability, support, and collaboration opportunities.
Personal Reflection: She recounts how recurring participation in such communities has continually fostered growth and lasting friendships, emphasizing that the investment in these relationships is invaluable.
Notable Quote:
"Never underestimate the power of getting yourself into those types of rooms where you are ready to foster relationships."
— Jenna Kutcher [55:30]
Conclusion: Embracing a Supportive Circle for Success
In wrapping up the episode, Kutcher reiterates that building a supportive community is not a supplementary aspect of entrepreneurship but a fundamental necessity. She encourages listeners to take proactive steps in reaching out, shifting mindsets, cultivating local and meaningful relationships, communicating openly, and immersing themselves in nurturing communities.
Final Thoughts: Kutcher leaves listeners with a compelling call to action: "Surround yourself with people who get you, who push you, who celebrate you. Because that is where the magic happens."
Notable Quote:
"Connections that you start building today can totally change your tomorrow. I am 100% proof of that."
— Jenna Kutcher [63:50]
Key Takeaways:
- Identify and Engage: Seek out individuals you admire and actively engage with them to build meaningful connections.
- Mindset Shift: Transition from viewing others as competitors to embracing collaboration and community.
- Local Friendships: Invest in building relationships within your local community to create a robust support system.
- Open Communication: Share your professional and personal struggles with loved ones to receive the support you need.
- Active Participation: Join masterminds, attend events, and participate in communities to foster growth and lasting friendships.
Resources Mentioned:
- Goal Digger Podcast Insiders Facebook Community: A platform for entrepreneurs to connect, ask questions, and build relationships.
- GrowanEmailist.com: Offering a free masterclass on building an engaged email list.
- Osea Malibu: Clean, clinically tested skincare products.
- Gusto.com/golddigger: Simplifying payroll, benefits, and HR for businesses.
- RocketMoney.com/golddigger: Personal finance app for managing subscriptions and finances.
- LinkedIn.com/goal: Enhanced B2B marketing strategies.
For more insights, actionable tips, and to join a community of like-minded entrepreneurs, visit goaldiggerpodcast.com. Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode that could transform your business and life.