Who Helped You Get Here?
Now go be her.
We don’t get where we’re going alone. Think about it—someone, at some point, saw something in you before you saw it in yourself. They encouraged you, challenged you, or simply stood beside you when you were ready to give up. That kind of support changes everything. And now? It’s your turn to do the same.
Let’s talk about how to recognize your “who,” understand the impact of support, and find ways to pay it forward.
Who helped you get here?
First things first—who’s been in your corner? Maybe it’s a mentor, a boss who took a chance on you, a teacher who saw your potential, or a friend who always reminds you that you’re more capable than you think. Maybe it was someone who barely knew you but said the right thing at the right time.
Take a second. Really think about it. Who made an impact on your journey?
Chances are, those people didn’t have to help you. They could have kept their wisdom, time, and encouragement to themselves. But they didn’t. They showed up for you. They poured into you when you didn’t even know you needed it.
I think back to when I first started working at a new school, stepping into an unfamiliar environment. My department chair at the time was an incredible mentor. She constantly encouraged me to step up into leadership roles and step out of my comfort zone. (Those are two different things for me—leadership is actually my comfort zone!)
Stepping into leadership? That’s easy for me. But stepping into vulnerability, uncertainty, or asking for help? That’s where I really feel stretched. I’ve had to learn that growth doesn’t just come from leading—it comes from being willing to be led, too.
When I later stepped into my own leadership role, I attended a training that encouraged us to reflect on our own mentors and do this exercise: Who helped you get here? Now go be that person for someone else. That message stuck with me.
Now, what if you did the same?
The ripple effect is real.
Here’s the thing about encouragement: it multiplies. One act of kindness, one word of belief, one person taking the time to say, “Hey, I see something in you,” can change the course of someone’s life.
Think about all the moments you almost quit, but someone talked you through it. Imagine if they hadn’t. Now, flip it—who in your life might be on the edge of giving up right now? Who needs to hear, “You’ve got this”?
Maybe you don’t think you’re the “mentor” type. Maybe you’re still figuring things out yourself. But listen—you don’t have to be at the finish line to reach back and help someone along the way.
How to Pay It Forward
The best part? Paying it forward doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. It can be as simple as:
Encouraging someone who’s doubting themselves. (Even a text like, “You’re doing amazing. Keep going.” can change someone’s whole day.)
Sharing what you’ve learned. That thing you just figured out? Someone else is struggling with it right now. Help them shortcut the process.
Being a safe space. Sometimes, people don’t need advice. They just need to be heard.
Recommending someone. Connect a friend to an opportunity. Say their name in a room full of decision-makers.
Reminding yourself to give that same support to YOU. If you’re always encouraging others but doubting yourself, it’s time to take your own advice.
Let’s Keep the Chain Going
Who helped you get here? Now go be her. For yourself. For someone else.
And if you need a little extra support along the way? I’m here for you.
✨ Book a free 20-minute clarity session with me—let’s figure out what’s next, together.
✨ Or drop a comment: Who made a difference in your journey? How are you paying it forward?
Let’s keep the chain going. Because none of us are in this alone.
