Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/160497
Those things can be really important to maximizing people's happiness, inspire others by our own example. "Feeling you have a role model also wellness, success, and productivity," helps you achieve things," Cheryan says. Cheryan says. "You use that person to see where you'll Although groups offer us much- be in a few years." needed support for what we're trying to accomplish in life, they can also surprise us. Just ask Dean Fasnacht, who joined Mentorship and teamwork Mentorship is one of the primary the WAC in 2004 with the singular goal goals behind another new club within of playing racquetball. Soon, Dean the Club. Launched by a handful of was not only an active member of the senior and junior members, including racquetball league, but he was also Chairwoman Marilyn Boss, Women of serving on committees, volunteering the WAC supports female Club members for organizations such as FareStart in various stages of their personal lives and Special Olympics, and forging and careers. friendships with a host of other Syesha Thomas, a 35-year-old IT sales members. One of those friends helped executive from Bellevue who joined him lose more than 20 pounds by the WAC for its basketball program, inspiring him with his own weight loss. "He's kind of been a mentor in regard to that," Dean says. "Seeing him do it gives me incentive." Cheryan says studies have shown the benefits of groups when it comes to helping people achieve their goals. "There's research that shows that when you think of other people having goals for you, you'll improve," she says. "Like if you know your mother wants you to do well in school and you think about her before you take a test, you'll do better. Having those people around you can motivate you because you're reminded of how much they want you to do well." Groups also provide a means by which we can share information and Dean Fasnacht, left, and fiancée Jennifer Porto met through their Club committee involvement. SEPTEMBER 2013 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | 29