This is a special episode with just me (Jill)! For this one, I’m opening up about a topic that is very close to my heart. I wanted to share it this time of year because the end of August is when school starts back up, and as such, many groups such as Bible studies, moms’ groups, and more, are all kicking off.
Through my years of parenting, I’ve found that it can be challenging to integrate into a new group. Meeting new people, finding those who will be closer friends, and discovering your place in the collective takes skill and perseverance.
I know how intimidating it can feel to be the newbie in a group of established friends, and how discouraging it can feel when friendships don’t immediately blossom the way you hoped they would. However, I want to encourage you to keep trying—it’s by no means an easy task to make deep and lasting connections, but it is so worth it.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- Helpful principles for making connections
- The importance of having the right mindset
- Why you should make the first move
- And more!
I hope these tips will help you make better connections in groups and find friends who speak to your heart. This episode also features helpful guidance for group leaders who want to make sure they’re cultivating environments that are warm and welcoming!
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- [BOOK] Better Together: Because You’re Not Meant to Mom Alone
- As a thank you for listening, get your 3 free eBooks
My Key Takeaways:
1) Keep your circle broken. A group can feel difficult to break into because its members may have already grown comfortable with one another before you came along. While there is nothing wrong with that, it does make it challenging for new people to get connected. If you are already in a group, keeping your circle broken means always leaving space for new people to join in. This could look like making sure to initiate conversation with a new person, maintaining a welcoming atmosphere, and not getting too comfortable and “closing ranks.”
2) Find one person to have a conversation with. It can be overwhelming to join a new group. You don’t know who anyone is or what the typical order of events is. Here’s what I want you to do next time you join a new group: look for someone to make a connection with. That person doesn’t have to be “best friend material,” they just need to be someone who you can engage with and get to know a little better. Maybe they are wearing a cute sweater or their child is playing with yours; whatever might stand out to you, use it to start a conversation. Sometimes the hardest part is getting the conversation started!
3) Build connection into your time together. Whether you are organizing a group or joining one as an active, intentional member, the best way to get to know the members of the group and ensure new people feel welcomed is to plan out specific moments for connection. This could be an icebreaker game or a question everyone must answer. These things get the conversation flowing, and in my experience, once it starts, the momentum will keep flowing!
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