I was diagnosed with Operator Syndrome about 9 months ago. Apparently, Navy SEALs and other Operators start to experience several unique qualifying symptoms years after they leave the military. I need my close community of family and friends to help support me during my bad days. It is vital that we surround ourselves with people we can lean on and trust. Trampolines need 4 or 5 legs in order to keep them secure. Likewise, we as humans (who are created to thrive in community) need 4-5 people we can reach out to when times get rough.
Here is the list of qualities to look for when building your trampoline:
- Understanding – people who seek to understand and empathize – not judge or give advice
- Intent or Motive – people who genuinely care about you and your well being
- Ability – people who have the bandwidth and time to invest in supporting you
- Character – people who have a moral compass and integrity in their own lives
- Track Record – people who have proven to persevere and thrive despite difficulties or setbacks.
Who in your life will hold you up and support you (like the legs of a trampoline)?
Who in your life will pick you up when you fall?
Who in your life will help you when you attempt something new and, perhaps, even a little risky?
Being vulnerable and transparent isn’t the easiest thing to do, especially when we are struggling. But these are the top two characteristics we need when reaching out to those we trust and rely on. We need the people in our “trampoline” to help encourage us, hold us accountable, motivate us, and appropriately challenge us. Who can you ask to enter into that sacred place in your life as a part of your trampoline?
