Quote of the Month
“One of the most beautiful qualities of true friendship is to understand and to be understood.”
~Seneca the Younger
As I approach a milestone birthday this year, I’ve been reflecting on the importance of prioritizing meaningful friendships over superficial ones. Being intentional and thoughtful in cultivating genuine connections has been crucial in both my personal and professional worlds.
Less is More
In the pursuit of a fulfilling and meaningful life, the value of friendships surpasses even familial bonds. The health risk of having fewer strong, quality friendships is more dangerous to your longevity than being obese or not exercising! Wow!
- The key to success is the quality of the relationships, not the quantity.
- Focus on maintaining two to three close friendships – friends you can call in the middle of the night without a second thought – rather than accumulating lots of Facebook only friends.
- Other types of friendships with varying closeness are still important, but dozens of only superficial relationships can be isolating.
Prioritizing Connections
I have the privilege of coaching full-time Wharton MBA students. These young leaders aim to network extensively, believing more connections will lead to better preparation for the future. However, this often leads to stress and exhaustion. Instead, we discuss prioritizing meaningful and genuine connections. This approach is much more productive and enjoyable and often shifts the student from a FOMO (fear of missing out) mindset to a “love the one you’re with” mindset.
Every year when I’m listing my goals, I consider these three questions to be more intentional with my time and relationships:
Who do I already know that I’d like to know better?
Who do I not know that I’d like to know?
Who can I invest less time in knowing? No judgment needed.
In Case You Missed It
In honor of my 60th birthday this year, I’m offering 60 hours of free coaching in exchange for a $60 donation to the You Matter Marathon, or a charity of your choosing. Check it out!
My book is now an audiobook! Download it on Audible, Apple, Audiobooks, and Google Play. If you enjoyed the book, tell me or leave a review.
Until Next Time
“The longer I live, the more deeply I learn that love – whether we call it friendship or family or romance – is the work of mirror and magnifying each other’s light. Gentle work. Steadfast work. Life-saving work in those moments when life and shame and sorrow occlude our own light from our view, but there is still a clear-eyed loving person to beam it back. In our best moments, we are that person for another.”
~Maria Popova
