In today’s hyper-connected world, the idea of joining yet another community can feel overwhelming. Many of us already find ourselves juggling multiple chats, notifications, and groups, which can often feel like just another source of distraction. As the founder of the Good Life Collective, and a member of several communities myself, I frequently hear these concerns.
The hesitation is valid: Will this just add to the noise? Is it worth the financial investment? Will it truly add value to my life?
Let’s explore why joining multiple communities, when done intentionally, can be incredibly rewarding—and why it’s about much more than just adding another group to your phone.
It’s Not Just About the Chat—It’s About People
One of the biggest misconceptions is that every community is just another chat group with endless notifications. However, communities like the Good Life Collective are designed with purpose, offering diverse touchpoints that go beyond online conversations. Yes, there’s the Telegram chat, but that’s just one facet. We also have in-person dinners in Barcelona and other cities, insightful webinars, yearly retreats, smaller gatherings in idyllic places like monasteries, and soon, a monthly newsletter highlighting key takeaways from our community interactions.
These aren’t just events—they are opportunities to connect, learn, and grow alongside like-minded people. Being part of a community isn’t about filling up your schedule with more commitments; it’s about being intentional with your time and investing in the right spaces that align with your values and goals.
The Human Need for Connection: Why We Need People
As someone involved in multiple communities, I understand the hesitations. The thought of joining another group, especially one that comes with a financial commitment, can feel daunting. But it’s worth keeping in mind that this isn’t just about more chats or content; it’s about people.
Kurt Vonnegut once captured this sentiment perfectly, stating that many of our personal struggles stem from not having enough people in our lives. He explained that many of the conflicts in relationships, such as between spouses, are often a result of loneliness and unmet needs for broader connection. As he put it, “What they’re really saying is, ‘you’re not enough people.’”
Vonnegut suggested that to recreate the “like-minded, extended families of fifty people or more” that many of us are missing, we should “join all sorts of organizations, no matter how ridiculous, simply to get more people in his or her life.” The value isn’t just in the immediate connections you make but in the exposure to different perspectives, experiences, and support networks that enrich your life in ways you might not even expect.
Balancing Community Involvement and Avoiding Overwhelm
Being part of multiple communities doesn’t mean you need to engage deeply with all of them all the time. It’s okay to have a primary community where you invest more of your time and others where you’re more of a peripheral participant. Not every interaction will change your life, but sometimes, it takes just one valuable connection, one insightful piece of advice, or one event to make your involvement worthwhile.
I’m in 6-7 communities every year because I recognize the importance of mixing with different people. Of course, my family remains my core, and a smaller subset of community members will become true friends, but the broader exposure to different individuals keeps my perspective fresh and my network rich.
The Financial Side: Is It Worth the Investment?
One of the most common concerns is the financial aspect—whether spending $350 or more on a community membership is justified. My take? For a price point up to around $500, it’s usually worth giving a community a shot without overthinking. Sometimes, a single tip, a meaningful introduction, or one powerful event can make the entire investment worthwhile. When considering more expensive memberships, assessing if you have the time to benefit from and contribute to the community is essential.
Conclusion: Give It a Try—You Might Be Surprised
If you’ve been hesitant to join a new community, I encourage you to think about what you might gain rather than just what it might cost—whether in time, money, or attention. Joining the right communities, even just for a year, can open doors to experiences and relationships that make a lasting impact.
If the values and opportunities I’ve described resonate, I invite you to explore the Good Life Collective further. Visit our website to learn more about our mission, events, and how we’re building a community that goes beyond just another online group. And if you feel aligned, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’d love to connect with you and see how we can support each other on this journey.