Today Matters, Decision #9: RELATIONSHIPS

9. Decision #9: RELATIONSHIPS: “Today’s relationships give me fulfillment”
Initiate and invest in solid relationships daily.

The most important experiences in life are connected to other people. Invest in solid relationships and you will enjoy life more. Those who love life and others have a lot of fun. If you like people, then you will always have a friend no matter where you go.

You will get farther in life if people like you. Someone else must like you if you are to succeed in life. People are an organization’s most important asset.

Jim Collins, From Good to Great, “Get the right people on the bus.”

Dale Carnegie: In order to have friends, be friendly.

“I will initiate and make an investment in relationships with others.”

Change your mindset:
1. Place a high value on people. “You can’t make someone feel important in your presence if you secretly feel he is a nobody.” Les Giblin.
2. Expect the best from everyone. Assume people’s motives are good unless they prove otherwise. Value people by their best moments. Give them your friendship rather than asking for theirs.
3. Learn to understand people.
1) People are insecure; give them confidence.
2) People want to feel special; sincerely compliment them.
3) People desire a better tomorrow; show them hope.
4) People are selfish; speak to their needs first.
5) People get emotionally low; encourage them.
6) People want to be associated with success; help them win.

How to keep on track: Every day I make the conscious effort to deposit good will into my relationships with others.
1. Put others first. Practice the Golden Rule.
2. Don’t carry emotional baggage. Get rid of old wrongs and hurts.
3. Give time to your most valuable relationships. Don’t let unimportant relationships drain all of your time and energy. Set priorities.

“If you have one true friend in life you are very fortunate indeed.”