Just a Girl with Goats

The Power of Supportive Colleagues

A good friend recently gave me a water bottle that she thought said "Just a Girl with Goals." It was meant to be a little motivational boost—a reminder that I could achieve whatever I set my mind to. But when she unwrapped it, thanks to a printing mistake, it actually said, "Just a Girl with Goats."

Honestly? It still works...because pursuing big dreams sometimes feels like herding a bunch of unpredictable goats—messy, overwhelming, and a little ridiculous. That’s why surrounding yourself with the right people matters.

Supportive colleagues are like a good herd (or hype squad). They cheer you on, remind you that you’re capable, and give you a gentle nudge when you hesitate. They’re the ones who say, "You should totally go for it!" instead of, "Are you sure?" They see your strengths, even when you doubt them yourself, and the REALLY good ones help you push past fear to take that next step.

But the flip side is just as important: Not everyone in your circle will be supportive. Some people, intentionally or not, may project their own doubts onto you. That’s why it’s crucial to curate your inner circle—surrounding yourself with people who lift you up instead of holding you back.

I’ve been lucky to have colleagues and friends who believe in me even when I question myself. Whether it's encouraging me to start a new project, take on a new challenge, or simply reminding me of how far I’ve come, their support makes all the difference. And that’s the kind of support I want to be for others, too. Sometimes we have to take a look at ourselves and evaluate if we’re the supportive friend.

So - if you’re sitting on a big idea or a big change, ask yourself: Who are the people rooting for you? Who are the ones making you believe in yourself a little more? Lean into those relationships. And be that person for someone else.

When it comes down to it, we’re all just girls (or guys) with goats—trying to wrangle the chaos, chase our dreams, and laugh at the mix-ups along the way. And with the right people by our side, we can do anything.

You’ve got this.