It means you value your time
Busy, busy, busy! We are all so busy. But you find time to do what you think is important. This means you value your time. How much time do you spend doing things you love to do? I imagine the answer to that question is….lots! But, how much time do you spend doing the hard things? I know. That’s a much different question.
No one enjoys doing hard things. So this means that you have to intentionally struggle to create blocks of time to complete mind-killing tasks and attend time-wasting meetings. However, do you create blocks of time to work on building healthy relationships?
We often forget about intentionally scheduling a time for investing in relationships. Since the time spent on developing relationships is critical, being intentional about that time is critically necessary.
Does this involve blocking out time in your calendar? I think the answer is yes. Does this involve taking extra time with people as you meet? I think the answer is yes.
Remember, how you spend your time is a reflection of your priorities and what you value. Value your time. Spend it on things that matter. Healthy relationships are worth it because unhealthy relationships will literally suck the life out of you.
It means you value your relationship
Not only should you value your time but you should also value your relationships. Scheduling intentional time to work on creating healthy relationships means you must value those relationships. You determine to schedule intentional time working on them. You don’t do this because you “have to” because you “want to.”
When having healthy relationships is the goal it drives us to make decisions based on that priority. We will intentionally “want to” value our relationships.
Healthy relationships matter because it is the means by which we live in peace with others and get things done in business. Relationships are not a means to an end. They are the end.
You must value healthy relationships because what you value you will nurture. The bottom line is this…what we value we spend time developing.
It means you value the process
Nobody likes the process. You go to the gym because you like the results. That’s why I don’t go to the gym. It’s not that I dislike the results; I just hate the process! All the time lifting, straining, pushing, flexing, admiring myself in the mirror, and sweating. It just seems like a lot to go through for a few burned calories. Plus, everyone stares at me because of how ripped I am. It’s embarrassing!
But in relationships process is key. If you don’t value the process you will fail to see it as important. And the first part of the process is intentionally spending time on creating healthy relationships.
Sure, you can find other things to do. Sure, you can go shopping or play golf. And sure, you can never improve your relationships. But if you want to improve, you must value the process! But just like going to the gym, it will take intentional time.
So what now? Below are some action steps for you to consider.
Action Steps
- Which relationships would you say are your most healthy and most unhealthy?
- What are some characteristics of your healthy relationships?
- What are some ways you can intentionally spend time working on your unhealthy relationships?
Want to read more?
Click HERE to link to an article on significant relationships