We live in a world that glorifies the self-made man. The lone wolf. The underdog who “did it all on their own.” It’s a great story—except it’s a myth.
The truth is, no one builds a successful life without other people. Not a single person.
Behind every successful author, athlete, entrepreneur, or artist is someone who believed in them, introduced them to the right connection, lent them the money, gave them a job, shared their post, or simply said, “I believe in you.”
We All Need Support
Sometimes it’s emotional—like a friend reminding you to keep going when you’re ready to quit. Sometimes it’s financial—like the one person who buys your product when no one else is. Other times it’s an introduction—someone opening the door you couldn’t access alone. Even a small gesture, like liking or sharing a post, can be the spark that lights a wildfire of opportunity.
Success requires connection. It requires visibility. It requires momentum. And often, it starts with one person’s willingness to help.
But Here’s the Harsh Reality…
The people you’ve known the longest are often the last to support you.
Your high school classmates. Your extended family. The coworkers you’ve laughed with for years.
Oddly, it’s not strangers who root against you—it’s the ones who’ve watched you grow.
Why?
Because your growth challenges their comfort.
Your dreams remind them of the ones they abandoned.
Your progress threatens the status quo they’ve settled into.
They remember the old version of you—the one who made mistakes, the one who wasn’t ready. And seeing you now, striving toward something greater, forces them to reconcile their own inaction.
It’s easier to dismiss you than to support you.
The Power of Sharing
You’ve seen it before. A celebrity drops a new project and within hours it’s viral. But when your friend releases a book, starts a podcast, or opens a business? Crickets. The truth is, a simple social media share costs nothing, yet so few are willing to give even that. Why? Because supporting you forces them to publicly acknowledge your growth—and that takes more courage than most people have.
But you know how important that share can be. One post can reach someone who’s been praying for exactly what you offer. One share can lead to one sale, one opportunity, one breakthrough.
So never underestimate the power you hold in helping others succeed—and never forget to thank the ones who did that for you.
Closing Thoughts
You’re not weak for needing help. You’re human.
You’re not behind because you needed support. You’re real.
And you’re not alone on this journey—unless you try to do it all alone.
Let this be a reminder:
Ask for help. Offer help. And appreciate every single person who stands in your corner—because success may wear one name, but it’s built on many shoulders.
Troy P Zehnder 