Thanks to all the new readers for signing up for The Reliants Project newsletter! Here are some nuggets about how networks shape your wellbeing, relationships and community to help you actively cultivate yours.
Wellbeing
Researchers believe that social determinants of health drive more than 80% of outcomes. This means that the length and quality of your life are heavily influenced by your behaviours, social and economic factors, as well as the built environment. However, we’re just beginning to understand how networks influence this. Recent research from Amar Dhand at Brigham and Women’s Hospital found that small, tight-knit networks actually delayed emergency treatment for patients.
“In an emergency, the weak tie can be the outside voice of reason who isn’t afraid to disrupt the group’s ideas. The close-knit core, in contrast, is vulnerable to recycling and over-analyzing information. They are also more likely to build a plan that is easy and agreeable—and not necessarily right. Though well-intentioned and loving, the closed group is a flawed echo chamber.”
Relationships
Many people go through life with a set of limiting beliefs and unconscious biases about connecting with others that don’t drive the outcomes they actually want. The decision whether to reach out to an old friend, open up to an acquaintance, or go somewhere new alone can be life-changing.
In my latest article, I examine these ten limiting beliefs about relationships that I’ve come across in my own experience and research. Then I provide an alternative perspective for each which I hope will help you live a more successful, connected and fulfilled life.
Do any of these limiting beliefs seem familiar?
Putting Effort into your Network is Selfish
Cultivating Networks is for Extroverts Only
If You’re Good at What You Do, You Don’t Need Networks
Only Strong Relationships are Important
If You Haven’t Spoken for a While, You’ve Lost Touch
You Should Separate Life & Work
Making Friends Online is Not Cool
You Own Most of Your Network
If You Track, You Lose the Magic
Focus on Your Own Problems to be Happy
Community
Have you ever thought about how social capital is calculated? The Geography of Social Capital in America is a fascinating read that shares the history of social capital indices, the indicators used to measure social capital as well as benchmarks. It also provides the most recent Social Capital Index scores for the US by county. Some of the key findings stated are:
The top fifth of states, in terms of social capital scores, are home to just nine percent of Americans, while 29 percent live in bottom-fifth states.
Utah has the highest social capital score, followed by Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Louisiana has the lowest social capital score, followed by Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico.
Like what you read? If so, please share this with someone you think would benefit:
About The Reliants Project
Reliant is my word for a person that someone depends on, an essential component of our social networks. With each edition, I’ll share useful nuggets about how networks shape your wellbeing, relationships and community to help you actively cultivate yours. Whether you want to cultivate your relationships, make better introductions, or activate networks to make an impact in the world, let me help you reach your goals.
You can find more about The Reliants Project here.