Working in Community

There is something romantic about the idea of the lone wolf who sets off on the journey alone. Something deep within themselves compels them, and so they pull themselves up by their own bootstraps, finding a way to survive and thrive in typically harsh environments and challenging circumstances. In the end, these characters usually find a way to win despite the impossible odds. For my fellow Americans, this story is even baked into the American ideal of the frontier, complete with our stories of lone explorers setting out into unexplored territory, seeking value in spite of the challenges and uncertainties that accompany such bold exploration. 

And I am convinced that these stories appeal to us for a reason. Especially for those of us who crave something more in life and who want to find fulfillment in the midst of a world that so often promotes mediocrity, stories of these lone wolves can inspire us to pursue our goals. 

However, these stories do not always tell us the whole truth. 

Because behind almost every successful hero is a powerful support system.

Playing Symphonies

H.E. Luccock famously said “No one can whistle a symphony. It takes an orchestra to play it.” This is true enough, and probably uncontroversial. But how does this impact our pursuit of building a lasting, fulfilling, and profitable career? 

As children, many of us grew up hearing about the importance of “teamwork” and “friendship”, so topics like this one can often seem childish and irrelevant. But if you can lay those feelings aside for a moment, I think that you will come to understand the vital importance of a community in your pursuit of a lasting career. Why? Because you can’t whistle a symphony.

Many pieces have been composed that involve only a single instrument. And a well-composed solo piece can be absolutely stunning, and they allow a musician to showcase their mastery of an instrument.

But if only solos were played, we would never get to hear the full potential of what music can offer. We would never get to hear symphonies.

What you are looking to do in cultivating a career that will last a lifetime is no small feat. As we have previously mentioned, it will require deep commitment and a willingness to work hard as you face the challenges that come with life in our human world. Building a successful career is much like playing a symphony. 

Building Community

Unfortunately, finding the right people who can help you along the journey is often easier said than done. If you are going to have lasting success, you will need to pursue the help and input of other people, and you will need to do it proactively. 

While some are very blessed to simply stumble upon the right people at the right time, you don’t want to simply leave your future career up to fate. Take the initiative and reach out to other people who have been where you have and who have tasted success despite challenging odds. 

I have written a whole blog series that covers the topic of mentorship, and it may be a helpful starting point for thinking about the role of community in finding success in your life and career. 

Besides finding mentors, it is also important to find strong friends who can be with you through thick and thin. Friends can help you to shoulder the challenging burdens of life, and their presence can motivate you to continue to pursue success. 

Finally, we should remember that entering into community life is not without its obligations and responsibilities. Someday, other people will call upon your help just as you have asked them for help. Sometimes this can be inconvenient or unexpected. But it is worth it, because living and working in community is uniquely fulfilling, and you will find that it will pay dividends.