Since You Cannot Live Alone, Learn to Take Care of Your Relationships
6 Categories of People You Should Focus On.
We are inherently social creatures and cannot do without communicating with ourselves through various channels. The easiest mode of communication is through speech and as a higher animal, we have developed our speech to the level that we have hundreds of thousands of different languages and dialects.
Despite the diversities that come with language and culture, one thing is for sure; we need to properly manage our relationships to make the best of life and the process of living. Below are the major types of relationship types arranged in order of importance:
- Your relationship between you and God.
Since we are all spiritual beings, it is important to have a relationship with the creator of the universe. No matter the religion you practice, there is a way you can groom a personal relationship with him by consistent communication and studying the principles that stay true through the ages. This is the most important relationship, take time to nourish it.
2. With yourself.
You might be surprised at this point.
You are the most important factor in your life and most times, you do not spend enough quiet time with yourself. You need to dedicate some time to yourself, maybe on Sunday evenings depending on your schedule. Isn’t it wrong that you give everyone but yourself YOUR time?
Bishop T.D Jakes says he was in a relationship with himself, took himself out on dates and dedicated some time to knowing himself more. With more knowledge of himself, he was sure of the things he could do, reinforced his value system and knew his limits.
Knowledge of these factors will help when you relate with other people. Use your time with yourself wisely. Reevaluate your goals, your actions and chart a course for yourself. No one will love you as much as you love yourself.
Know thyself- Seneca
3. With your significant other and your children
If you are in a marriage or serious relationship, you need to grow your relationship with your significant other. Do not take their care and affection for granted. Create some time for just the two of you. Even if you have kids, get a family member to watch them for a few hours while both of you go out to catch up either over dinner or just a long walk. The love in most relationships dies because both parties did not take out time to fan the embers.
Anything that is not properly harnessed or grown will either fail or be distorted. Your significant other holds a place that can assist you to boost to the next level or have an emotional flat line that can affect other parts of your life.
Also make time out to be available for your children, especially when they are young because they grow really quickly. Have family time with your entire family and know where each member is lacking in school and knowledge generally. Make time for conversation and outings while been observant in the process.
If you are yet to be blessed with either or both of the groups mentioned in this point, do well to manage your relationships with them.
4. With your extended family and friends
This is a very important support system. These are the people that will be there for you when the chips are down. There are certain friends and family members that stick with you no matter what. You need to oil those relationships with care, attention and do the little things that make these people happy.
Before you go investing your time and energy to just anybody, properly sieve out the energy drainers from your circle and focus on just the people that recharge you, spur you to be better and are at the same or at an even higher frequency than you.
Create time and give great gifts when it is birthdays, anniversaries, or other important events in their lives. Try to know what each person needs so you can help them according to your capacity. In this rather busy and nonchalant generation, it is heartwarming to know that there are a few people that genuinely love and care about you.
5. With your business partners, staff, colleagues, customers, and investors.
Festus had noticed that Israel had been moody for a few days now. He needed him sharp for the investors flying in the next day.
“Israel, take your seat” he motioned to the seats in front of him as the company accountant walked in. Festus had requested a meeting first thing in the morning.
Israel sat and opened his laptop that he brought in thinking Festus was interested in reviewing the books ahead of the meeting the next day.
The CEO asked him to close his laptop and explain to him what the problem was. After much prodding and pushing, Israel finally opened up that he was struggling with a debt which was caused by an unexpected personal expenditure the month before and he needed to pay up before the end of the month. Festus immediately understood and told him he will find a way of helping him stabilize with a loan that he can pay in installments. Israel was more than elated and eventually, his mood brightened up. The meeting with the investors was a slam dunk and all parties went home happy.
If you are a business owner like Festus, it is people like Israel that ensure you make money.
Take time out to know what your staff is going through. It is of utmost importance to take care of the important people that ensure your income keeps flowing. Of course, you do not need to turn the workplace to a pity party but understand the psychology of your people. Your customers and staff are people that you interact with every day so it is very easy to overlook their needs. Look out for the little things that they go through and be a helping hand when you can. Reward those that are exceptional and push those that are faffing to be better people.
For employees, your relationship with your colleagues and bosses play a major part in your growth. Have a little banter and talk about things not relating to work. Get close to people that have the same values as you and learn from them consciously while growing yourself and the business.
6. With the people you want to be part of your future
There are a group of people that are not yet part of your life but you know they will assist in your growth. They might be mentors that you know will assist you to the next level of your development in business or in your personal life. You have to prepare for these relationships. Improve yourself with a target of the relationships that you want to gain in the future.
A classic example is when Edwin Barnes wanted to partner with Thomas Edison, he started as an apprentice and grew his knowledge to be at par with his boss till he got a seat as a partner. He prepared himself CONSCIOUSLY for five years to be a partner with the biggest inventor in that time and it happened.
Although it is easy to just reach to the sides and beneath for relationships, also try to reach up to people above you that are looking for mentees and younger friends. You’ll enjoy lots of free but useful advice and introduction to people in their own circle of influence.
CONCLUSION
It is impossible for EVERYONE to love you but it is possible to build useful and meaningful relationships with important people that will be your support system to your eventual success. These are the people that will help you, show you love and support you in all the things you aim to achieve in your lifetime.
