Be Their Cheerleader for Big Goals
Thirty-two easy ways to be their cheerleader for big goals, because a friend’s belief can change a life.
Believe out loud. Cheer all the way.
25 tips that really help
These ideas come from Daring Greatly (Brené Brown), The Good Life (Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz), Platonic (Marisa Franco), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
Belief is powerful
Studies show that supportive friends help people reach goals. Your cheering matters.
Cheer.
Ask about their goal
Show interest. What are you aiming for? Why?
Ask.
Celebrate small steps
Notice progress, not just the finish. Small wins matter.
Cheer small.
Offer practical help
Read drafts, share contacts, babysit. Practical help moves goals.
Help.
Check in regularly
Ask, how is it going? Regular interest keeps motivation.
Check in.
Be there on hard days
Listen when they doubt. Remind them of their strengths.
Support.
Share useful resources
Send articles, names or ideas. Be a connector.
Share.
Do not compete
Their win is not your loss. Cheer freely.
Be generous.
Celebrate the finish
Mark it with a party, a card or a toast. Celebrate loudly.
Celebrate.
Keep believing after setbacks
If they fail, cheer them to try again. Persistence needs friends.
Stay.
Script: cheering
You can do this, and I believe in you. Say it warmly.
Use it.
Script: asking
How is your goal going, and what is the next step? Say it with interest.
Use it.
Script: helping
What would help you most this week? Say it kindly.
Use it.
Script: reminding
Remember why you started this, it matters. Say it gently.
Use it.
Script: closing
I am so proud of you, truly. Say it sincerely.
Use it.
Mistake: doubting out loud
Doubt can harm, so share concerns kindly or privately.
Be careful.
Mistake: only cheering at the finish
Support the middle too, so keep going.
Cheer along.
Troubleshoot: when you think the goal is unrealistic
Ask questions about the plan rather than shooting it down. Support the person.
Ask.
Troubleshoot: when they lose motivation
Listen, remind them why and suggest a tiny step. Be patient.
Support.
Troubleshoot: when you envy their goal
Notice envy, set your own goal and still cheer. Both can grow.
Be generous.
Troubleshoot: when they fail
Say, I am proud you tried. What did you learn? Encourage.
Encourage.
Troubleshoot: when it is a health goal
Support gently without judging food or body. Respect.
Be kind.
Drill: ask about a goal
Ask one friend about a goal this week. Listen.
Ask.
Drill: send a cheer message
Send a cheer message before a big day. Be specific.
Send.
Drill: plan a finish celebration
Plan a toast for when they finish. Tell them.
Plan.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many everyday friendships.
“You can do this!”
“How is the goal going?”
“What would help most?”
“Remember why you started.”
“Thanks for sharing your dream.”
“I believe in you.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Ask about the goal
Believe out loud
Celebrate small steps
Offer practical help
Be there on hard days
Remind them why
Celebrate the finish
Further reading
- Daring Greatly (Brené Brown)
- The Good Life (Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz)
- Platonic (Marisa Franco)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
