Hi Friend
Holy smokes, what a week! It was my birthday. I got to spend time with my son. I got to hang out with 26,000 folks at the SHRM Annual conference in Chicago. I’ve been married for two weeks. I secured some great tenants for my house here in Edmond. I’ve got a new fence on the side of my yard that needed it.
Lots of good momentum that has me bubbling over with joy and gratitude. I love using the word “wife.” I love seeing people in person, who I only see once a year. I love when my kids are generous with their time towards me. I love speaking.
I got to do my Trust message at SHRM. It’s the one where I do a mousetrap activity inside the keynote. Not only do I love the content and impact of this message, I love the surprise people regularly express afterwards; initially doubting the endeavor, then blown away by it.
What was extra-awesome was that Lincoln, my son, came to the session. He lives in Chicago and was able to make some time to hang out. He’s heard me speak and seen me work a lot. He used to be my cameraman and editor. He’s a gifted creative. However, now that he’s in corporate America some of the things I said resonatedwith his world. Which is fun.
RELATIONSHIPS, RELATIONSHIPS, RELATIONSHIPS.
From family to friends to colleagues to new connections, I love people. I legitimately don’t understand how someone can exist as an anti-people-person. Not simply introvert or extrovert, but a general dis-interest in other humans. I know it’s a thing, but how less rich is an existence with an aversion to humans?
If we measured our wealth in terms of quality relationships, how prosperous would you be? What if the depth of our legacy was directly tied to our ability to nurture meaningful relationships with people who thought and believed differently than we did?
OBSERVATION CHALLENGE
When you’re in the midst of 26,000 people, there is quite the opportunity to observe mannerisms, reactions, facial expressions, verbal and non-verbal communication styles. I spent a good amount of time in the exhibitor hall, which had hundreds of vendors. Watching how each booth was manned and managed, was a masterclass in sales, marketing, approachability and influence.
I watched a handful of my friends speak as well. I’m convinced everyone I meet does something better than I do. So, I’m watching for how they do what they do. You and I can be challenged to grow every week, if we’ll just observe some of the traits of the people around us.
Instigating Ideas…
1. Get yourself around a source of joy.
2. Pay attention to how others utilize their strengths.
3. Create a dollar amount that reflects the value of relationships in your life.
4. Say something encouraging to someone succeeding.
My birthday was swallowed up by the activity at the conference. However, I do like to take a moment to reflect on the gift of being born and the purpose embedded in my life. That fact that we are alive infers a responsibility to use our brief time on earth to enhance the lives of those with whom we intersect.
BEST INVESTMENT
My wife is a really good friend. She too is rich with relationships. Her willingness to be inconvenienced and selfless when her friends are going through pain and difficulty, inspires me. It could be the fog of joy and gratitude I’m currently experiencing, but isn’t fostering amazing relationships the best investment we can make?
In both our personal and professional lives, being intentional with our current relationships, and those we want to be in relationship with, will generate the best return. When we feel unfulfilled, it’s likely because of the state of our relationships. #InvestWisely
I hope this week you give just a little more intentional effort to the relationships in your life. And if you want a few more, be bold about reaching out.