Do you consider yourself to be a pioneer in life and believe that your life is about being the “leading edge”? Do you consider yourself to be among the first on an untrodden path? Are you in love with new ideas, practices, technologies, healing modalities, and a plethora of ways to make the world a better place? Do you constantly find yourself curious, inventive, and creative? These are all characteristics of a pioneer.

Being a pioneer is a very exciting stance to take, but by its nature, it can also feel isolating and unsupported. What are some ways to be a pioneer–and stay connected to nurturing relationships?

1.) Historically, there does seem to be a connection between genius, single minded focus, and breakthrough pioneering achievements. Thomas Edison, Madame Curie, Bill Gates are perfect examples of this phenomenon. Single minded focus alone can be quite trying to relationships.

Around the clock work in pursuit of pioneering work leaves little or no time or energy for relationships. This is an awareness that can serve your best interests. It may require you to develop some techniques that provide time and space for relationships. An example might be keeping “office hours” and connecting with humans during free time. Another idea might be making “family time” on a regular and predictable basis. You can’t expect someone to “be there” for you if you aren’t making a point of being there for them.

2.) A mastermind is a great way to connect with others and mutually support pioneering effort. Napoleon Hill in “Think and Grow Rich” talks of the Mastermind concept. One of my favorite parts of the book is where he describes the association of Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Luther Burbank, Harvey Firestone and John Burrough as a mastermind and that this association surely contributed greatly to the exceptional success of each of them.

3.) There can be a tendency among pioneers to be idealistic and naive. Some examples would be things like Jonestown followers, American