How To Support A Loved One
From a counseling perspective, those who are struggling can use all the support they can get. ‘How do I support my loved one who is struggling?’ you may ask? There are many ways that you can support the support and maintain motivation by focusing on encouragement, autonomy, and emotional support. Here are some key ways to help:
Encourage Autonomy – Support your loved one’s ability to make decisions and take responsibility for their own life. Motivation often flourishes when individuals feel a sense of ownership over their goals.
Provide Emotional Support – Let your loved one know you believe in them and are there for them, but avoid excessive pressure or unsolicited advice.
Help Them Identify Their "Why" – Motivation is strongest when connected to meaningful personal values and goals. Encouraging open-ended discussions about what excites or interests them can help.
Offer Positive Reinforcement – Acknowledge your loved one’s efforts and progress, even if they are small. Feeling recognized can fuel continued effort.
Model Healthy Motivation – If you demonstrate perseverance, goal-setting, and a positive attitude in your own life, your loved one may be more likely to adopt similar behaviors.
Respect His Process – Everyone’s motivation ebbs and flows. Instead of pushing, help them develop habits that build consistency over time.
Address Underlying Barriers – If your loved one seems persistently unmotivated, they may be struggling with anxiety, depression, or other obstacles. Encouraging open conversations about thier well-being can be helpful.
Encourage Growth Mindset – Help them see challenges as opportunities to learn rather than failures.
Avoid Micromanaging or Rescuing – While it's natural to want to help, stepping in too much can sometimes reduce motivation by removing the need for personal effort.
Contact Bee Blissful if you would like suggestions tailored to a specific situation.
