The Importance of Community
This article was originally published on the Change Tribune.
Somewhere between 100,000 and 50,000 years ago, humans started to exhibit what scholars refer to as behavioral modernity [1]. Behavioral modernity is characterized by abstract thinking, advanced planning capabilities, and symbolic expression [2].
This milestone marked a turning point in the evolutionary history of Homo Sapiens. With the advent of modern human behavior came the establishment of cognitive and cultural foundations, such as social norms, language, and increased cooperation.
Many things have changed since the Paleolithic Period, but one thing hasn’t: human interaction.
Since the Paleolithic Period, humans have been social creatures. In fact our very biological nature make us predisposed to being social. When it comes to our primitive instincts, humans are concerned with reproduction and self-preservation. However, we cannot achieve either as an individual. Instead, we band together with other humans for protection, companionship, and to exchange information.
This is the very foundation of a community. A community is a group of individuals, who share a common purpose or mission [3]. Whether it’s building a house, brainstorming a new idea or creating new habits, the mechanism behind community-based work is always the same. It comes down to accountability and support.
Community — Accountability & Support
The problem with flying solo during lifestyle change is that most people try doing too much in a short period of time. Lifestyle change soon becomes a lifestyle overhaul. Little by little, they lose their motivation before they have been able to adapt to their new set of habits. They now find themselves back to square one. If this is hard to visualize, consider two scenarios:
- You recently made a promise to yourself to become healthier and more active. You tell yourself that you will go to the gym three times a week. For the first three weeks, you go without fail. During the fourth week, your friends decide to go out for drinks on two of the three days that you plan on going to the gym. You tell them that you will meet them after the gym, but they say it will be too late and that not having you around won’t be the same.
- You recently made a promise to yourself to take better care of yourself and become more active. You decide to join a fitness group of like-minded people to help you get into shape and meet three times a week. You absolutely love working out with them and sharing experiences. During the fourth week, your friends decide to go out for drinks on two of those three days. You tell them that you have plans, but they say not having you around won’t be the same.
In which of those two scenarios do you think you’re more likely to actually go to the gym? According to several studies, scenario two is the one where you’re more likely to stick to your plans [4]. That’s because you are part of a team of likeminded individuals, who have similar goals to you. By not going to your scheduled session, you are letting them down. You are accountable to the entire group.
The other advantage of becoming part of a community is support. Outside of motivation, many individuals embarking on a path of lifestyle change run into moments of self-doubt; moments where you wonder if you are making enough progress.
This is where being part of a community is absolutely vital. By grouping people together, who have the same mission or goal, individuals are able to share their stories throughout the process. Many individuals are surprised to learn that their same struggles are being shared by the entire group. They aren’t unique and knowing that reduces their doubt and fear. Likewise, moments of triumph are celebrated by everyone. This bond and support eventually leads to the formation of new habits. Soon a healthy lifestyle is your default mode, not something that you struggle with at all!
Join a Community: November Project
In sum, being part of a community is awesome and it works! If you are looking to join one, then I recommend checking out November Project.
So what is November Project?
November Project is a grassroots, free exercise community found throughout all four time zones of North America. And no, they don’t just meet in November. In fact, they meet several times a week to workout together. Best of all, all ages and fitness levels are welcome.
Challenge: During the next two weeks, commit to attending one November Project workout (click here to find one near you). This is a great way to meet like minded people throughout the United States and Canada. You will find that your newfound friends will support you and keep you accountable every step of the way.
This article was originally published on the Change Tribune. Change Collective is a behavior change course platform that includes expert-led daily lessons and personal coaching to help you improve your fitness, productivity, mindfulness, and more.
Authored by James Darley
James Darley is the founder of Historic Performance based in New York City, and specializes in fitness and habit-based nutrition for busy finance and marketing professionals. He has formerly interned at LIU-Brooklyn’s Strength & Conditioning Department. James has worked with a variety of individuals ranging from financial executives to Division I athletes. Outside of fitness, James enjoys reading history books, fishing, and hiking.
