ARE YOU IN A CIRCLE OR IN A CAGE? THE POWER OF UPLIFTING CONVERSATIONS THROUGH NETWORKING

Let's face it: how many times have you walked away from a conversation feeling more drained than when you started? The gossip, the negativity, the complaints, it’s exhausting. And yet, so many of us stay in those conversations because they’re familiar. But what if I told you that you don’t have to settle for that? What if your conversations could be 'so much richer'? Conversations that actually help you grow, motivate you, and push you to do better. This is where networking comes in, and not just any networking, but networking that uplifts. A network where the people around you are all about moving forward together, sharing wisdom, and building each other up. Because, let’s be honest, 'we need more of those conversations'. 

The Circle: Where Uplifting Conversations Live

A 'circle' isn’t just about hanging out with people who nod their heads and agree with everything you say. A real circle is about engaging with people who challenge you in a good way, encourage your growth, and celebrate your wins without jealousy. It’s about connecting with others who lift you up and push you toward greatness, whether that’s in business, life, or personal development.

In an uplifting circle, the conversations are rich. They aren’t just surface-level chitchat about the latest TV show or which restaurant has the best fries. No, these are conversations that make you think, that spark new ideas, and that inspire action. These are the kinds of people who ask you questions like, “What’s the next step for your business?” or “How can I support you in reaching that goal?” They make you feel like you can take on the world and actually achieve the things you’ve been dreaming about.

But here’s the secret: those kinds of rich conversations don’t happen by accident. They happen because you’ve intentionally surrounded yourself with people who add value, not just to your business, but to your mindset and your life.

The Cage: Where Conversations Keep You Stuck

Now, on the flip side, there’s the cage. The cage is full of conversations that leave you feeling stuck, unmotivated, and drained. These are the “woe is me” chats, the “why things are always so hard” rants, and the “it’s just how it is” attitudes that get passed around like they’re a badge of honor.

Ever been in a conversation where you feel like you’ve lost hours of your life to someone complaining about the same old problems without ever trying to change anything? These conversations don’t get you anywhere. In fact, they only reinforce your own doubts and fears. You start thinking, *Is this what life is really about? Is this as good as it gets?*

That’s the cage. And here’s the kicker: if you’re not careful, these kinds of conversations will suck you in. You’ll start to believe that this is your reality. You’ll start to think that growth is something other people do, but not you.

Networking: The Key to Rich, Uplifting Conversations

The good news is, you can "choose" your conversations. And the best way to get into richer, more meaningful conversations is through networking. But not just any networking, intentional networking. This means connecting with people who inspire you, challenge you, and share your drive for growth. These are the people who, when they speak to you, spark something inside you that says, “Yes, I can do that. I will do that.”

When you start networking with people who elevate you, your conversations change. Suddenly, you’re talking about ideas, solutions, and future plans, not complaints, excuses, and “what went wrong.” And the beauty of this kind of network is that the more you’re surrounded by these types of people, the more you start to embody those conversations. You begin to think bigger, dream bigger, and achieve bigger.

How to Make Your Conversations More Uplifting

To make your conversations more uplifting, start by seeking out positive, like-minded people. If your current conversations leave you feeling drained, it might be time to find a new circle. Connect intentionally with people who inspire you, who share your values, and who believe in growth. When you engage with people who elevate you, your conversations will naturally follow suit.

Next, be intentional with the conversations you have. Don’t settle for superficial chit-chat about the weather or the latest Netflix show. Go deeper. Ask meaningful questions that encourage growth, such as, “What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing right now?” or “What’s one thing you’ve learned recently that could help me?” These kinds of questions open the door to more enriching, insightful exchanges that lead to personal and professional growth. 

Another important component is to bring value to the table. Conversations are not just about what you can get out of them; they’re about what you can give. Share your experiences, insights, and lessons learned. Offer support when it’s needed and celebrate others’ wins with genuine excitement. When you bring value, the conversation becomes a mutual exchange of ideas and inspiration.

Finally, stop engaging in negative talk. If a conversation starts to veer into negativity or complaint territory, gently steer it in a more positive direction or simply walk away. Protect your mental and emotional energy, because it’s too valuable to waste. Conversations should inspire, not drain. 

The Power of Uplifting Conversations

Rich conversations do more than just pass the time, they shape your life. They influence your mindset, your success, and your happiness. These are the conversations that push you to keep going when things get tough, that offer real solutions instead of just complaints, and that share experiences that help you avoid common mistakes.

Imagine, what if every conversation you had left you feeling more confident, more motivated, and more inspired to take the next step toward your goals? That’s the power of networking with purpose, of curating a circle of people who challenge you to grow and who cheer you on every step of the way.

In an uplifting conversation, you get to talk about things that matter. You get to brainstorm solutions to your challenges, discuss what’s working (and what isn’t), and share your victories. It’s a two-way exchange of ideas, support, and encouragement that leaves both parties better than before. And that’s the kind of energy that’s contagious. It spreads, it grows, and soon you’re surrounded by a whole network of people who are all about leveling up.

The Bottom Line: Uplifting Conversations = A Thriving Network

You can choose your conversations. You can choose who you allow into your life. If you’re surrounded by people who lift you up, who inspire you to be better, and who challenge you to grow, then you’re in the right place. But if you’re constantly in a cage of negativity, complaining, and staying small, then it’s time to break free.

Networking isn’t just about swapping business cards or collecting contacts. It’s about curating a circle of people who help you grow, whose conversations make you better, and whose support propels you forward.

So ask yourself: Are your conversations lifting you up or keeping you stuck? If you want to change your life, it starts with changing your conversations. And that begins with who you’re networking with. 

Ready to step into a circle of richer, more uplifting conversations? It’s time to choose wisely.