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10 ways you can be an awesome supporter

No one knows what support looks like better than our coaches. They’re in the trenches with Noomers—they inspire them, encourage them, and sit with them when things feel not-so-great. That’s why we asked our coaches to share their wisdom on how to be the best supporter you can be.

  1. Be curious…

“Curiosity expands our empathy. The most supportive thing we can do to understand one another better is to ask and listen without judgment.” — Coach Brooke M.

Supporter tip: Practice your best active listening skills by paying attention and showing your Noomer that you’re really listening. 

  1. …be open-minded 

“People post or share and seek guidance for numerous reasons that we simply don’t fully understand. Be fully present, open-minded, and curious about what the person truly needs.  Asking questions and getting more curious not only demonstrates that you’ve listened but that you have a desire to help them find a solution.” — Coach Jennifer S.

Supporter tip: When your Noomer tells you they’re coming up against a block, keep digging and asking questions about where it’s coming from, so you get to the bottom of it together. 

  1. Be present

“Support is walking alongside an individual during a time of need, sharing full presence, seeking to understand, empathizing, and advocating for one’s autonomy in deciding how to move forward.” — Coach Christina G.

Supporter tip: Dedicate blocks of time to your Noomer without distractions like tv or phones. 

  1. Bear some of the weight  

“Support is holding up and bearing the weight for a bit so that its burden won’t crush others. Being present to lean against, without judgment or shame, so they can find strength again to keep going and moving forward in the way that seems best for them. Sharing strength connects us and makes us all better ready to withstand and overcome.” — Coach Melissa S. 

Supporter tip: Offer to “hold” a fear, self-judgment, or blockage that your Noomer is coming up against. Even if it’s metaphorical, the simple act of taking a burden away from them can help them move forward. 

  1. Meet them where they are…

“Support means meeting a person where they’re at and allowing them to express their feelings or challenges without judgment. When you meet someone where they are, it frees up space for them to grow and learn without feeling the need to be perfect.” — Coach Ashley B.

Supporter tip: Reminding your Noomer of their goals and big picture is a great source of motivation, but it’s also important to recognize and respect the place where they are currently. Reassure them that where they are right now is where they’re supposed to be, and that’s a normal part of the journey.  

  1. …and encourage them to step outside their comfort zone 

“The best kind of support looks and feels unconditional, unwavering, and judgment free. It meets folks where they’re at, yet also nudges them when a step out of their comfort zone may be necessary.” — Coach Megan H.

Supporter tip: When encouraging your Noomer to step outside of their comfort zone, offer to do it with them. It’ll make it easier for them to open themselves up to the unknown. 

  1. Remind them that they’re not alone

“One of the best examples I’ve seen of support would be when a group of strangers from all over the world come together to support, encourage, validate, offer empathy, and uplift a member after a loss, setback, or life event. Everyone is going through something, and seeing that kind of support in the group space is inspiring. It creates a sense of community within the group, affirms that we are all human, and there is so much more to a wellness journey than just weight loss.” — Coach Lisa F.

Supporter tip: If you’ve gone through something similar to what your Noomer is facing, share it with them—let them know that you hear them and their experience is valid. 

  1. Create an open dialogue 

“Some of the best support comes from being a good listener, having an open mind, and staying motivated to find solutions. It is important to ask questions and be open to different thoughts, feedback, and ideas. Some resistance to change or letting go of doubt can be a challenge in offering support along the way. The best results come from an open dialogue, every step of the way.” — Coach Alyson M.

Supporter tip: Allow space for off-the-wall ideas and thoughts. Even if they’re not something that sound feasible, they may lead to something that is.

  1. Check your biases

“The best examples of support come from approaching people in an empathic and non-judgmental way. In placing judgment, we come in with expectations rather than accepting where people are at, which can be a barrier to supporting someone in the process of positive change. In addition, being unaware of one’s own biases and feelings can also be a barrier to supporting people, as these biases and feelings can unconsciously impact how you approach them.” — Coach Tiffany H.

Supporter tip: If you feel uncomfortable, upset, angry, or any other negative emotion when your Noomer is sharing something with you, get curious. Ask yourself: “Is this something that’s affected me in my own life?” Explore that feeling and think about how you can approach the situation without the emotional charge of your personal experience. 

  1. Focus on stability 

“Whether we’re showing support to ourselves, loved ones, community, or even to strangers, meaningful support in the relationship is felt when we hold a steady strength and allow space for a comfortable openness. If we lack stability or are too rigid in our views we miss out on opportunities to give and receive support.” — Coach Erica S.

Supporter tip: Go into every interaction with your Noomer feeling solid. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so make sure yours is full first.