You’ve been given one life to live as you see fit. However, you’re not meant to live in isolation. You need a support structure for those isolated moments in your life when you need guidance to get you onto the next chapter of your life. The following story outlines how Ben learned that lesson. Enjoy.
Ben’s story.
Ben had always been a self-reliant person, preferring to handle life’s challenges on his own. But as the pressures of work, relationships, and personal goals started to mount, he realised he couldn’t do it all by himself. That’s when he remembered a piece of advice an old friend had given him: “You need three people in your life—one to cause you to think, one to listen to you, and one to solve your problems.” Ben didn’t fully grasp the meaning of this advice until life forced him to seek out each of these roles.
The Thinker: Dr. Olivia Matthews
Ben was at a crossroads in his career. He had a stable job as a project manager at a tech company, but he felt unfulfilled. He started questioning whether he was on the right path, but the fear of leaving the comfort of his current role held him back. That’s when he reached out to Dr. Olivia Matthews, a professor he had admired in college.
Olivia didn’t give him direct answers. Instead, she asked him probing questions that made him reconsider his values and goals. “What excites you?” she asked during one of their coffee meetings. “If money were no object, what would you spend your days doing?” These questions forced Ben to think deeply about what he truly wanted in life. Olivia challenged his assumptions and made him realise that his fear of the unknown was holding him back from pursuing a career that could bring him genuine satisfaction.
After several conversations, Ben decided to take the leap and apply for a product development role at a startup. It was a risky move, but one that excited him and aligned more closely with his passion for innovation.
The Listener: Rachel
Ben’s decision to change careers was exhilarating but also terrifying. The startup environment was fast-paced and chaotic, and the learning curve was steep. On top of that, his relationship with his girlfriend was going through a rough patch due to the stress. Ben felt overwhelmed and didn’t know how to express what he was going through.
That’s when Rachel, a close friend from his childhood, stepped in. Rachel had always been a good listener, and Ben felt comfortable opening up to her. They met for lunch one Saturday, and Ben poured out all his worries—his fear of failure at the new job, his concerns about his relationship, and his doubts about whether he had made the right choice.
Rachel listened without interrupting, nodding occasionally, and offering a few words of encouragement. She didn’t try to fix his problems or offer unsolicited advice. Instead, she simply let him talk, which was exactly what Ben needed. By the end of their lunch, Ben felt lighter. Just being able to share his thoughts and feelings with someone who genuinely cared helped him gain clarity and calm his anxieties.
The Problem-Solver: Jason
A few months into his new job, Ben was faced with a major challenge. The startup’s flagship product was running into significant technical issues, and the launch date was fast approaching. The team was stressed, and Ben, now a project lead, felt the weight of the situation on his shoulders.
He needed help—someone who could offer practical solutions to the problems they were facing. That’s when he called Jason, a former colleague and experienced engineer. Jason had always been the go-to guy for solving complex technical issues.
When Ben explained the situation, Jason didn’t waste time. He jumped straight into problem-solving mode, asking detailed questions about the product and the issues they were encountering. After a long brainstorming session, Jason came up with a few actionable solutions that the team could implement immediately.
Jason’s input was invaluable. With his help, Ben’s team managed to overcome the technical hurdles and successfully launched the product on time. The sense of relief was immense, and Ben knew he couldn’t have done it without Jason’s expertise.
The Realization
One evening, as Ben sat reflecting on the past year, he realised how crucial these three people had been in his life. Dr. Olivia had challenged him to think deeply and pursue his true passions. Rachel had been there to listen when he needed to express his fears and doubts. Jason provided the practical solutions that helped him succeed in his new role.
Ben understood now what his old friend had meant. Life’s challenges were easier to face when you had people who could support you in different ways. Each person played a unique role, and together, they formed a support system that helped him grow, both personally and professionally.
With this newfound understanding, Ben made a promise to himself. He would continue to nurture these relationships and be there for others in the same way. Because in the end, everyone needs those three people in their life.
P.S. The most stressed people in the world are the people who believe that they have to do everything by themselves.
