In the previous lesson, you learned about the principle of creating a personal growth plan. In this lesson, let's discuss how the quality of your relationships will make a significant impact in your environment and in creating your best year.
The more people who know you and think of you in a positive way, the more success and opportunities you will have.
Consequently, it is critical to continuously grow and develop positive relationships by connecting and adding value to people on a regular basis.
The fact is, everything we do is based on relationships and interacting with others.
Not only that, but also, the people that we surround ourselves with have an enormous impact on our lives and our own level of thinking.
You've probably heard it said that: "you are the average of the 5 people you spend your time with the most".
The more positive and growth-minded people you surround yourself with, the more (and quicker) growth you will experience when going after your goals and dreams. You can't soar like an eagle when you hang out with turkeys.
By committing to developing positive relationships (and eliminating negative people from your life), you will drastically increase your opportunities for growth and success and your ability to create your best year ever.
Two ways in which you can put this step into action immediately is to:
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Commit to connecting with 1-3 (or more) new people every single day.
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Commit to adding value to people every single day.
That is my own daily personal intention. If you focus on these two activities, you'll be on your way to growing and developing relationships daily, much more than the average person.
There is one book I must recommend for this lesson. One of my favorite resources for continually learning and constantly improving the way in which you connect with people and build relationships is Dale Carnegie's "How to Win Friends and Influence People."
Study that book, commit to nurturing your relationships daily, surround yourself with positive-minded people, and watch the exciting results materialize in your life as you continue to develop relationships.
One of my mentors, Brian Tracy, said that "The quality and quantity of your relationships with other people will determine your success as much or more than any other factor."
One of the greatest qualities you can work on when it comes to relationships, living your purpose and going after your goals is integrity.
None wants to be associated with someone who is dishonest, someone without integrity. People want to be around others who keep their word. People will open doors for you and do business with you and associate with you and trust and respect you when you build the quality of integrity.
Not everyone chooses to do the right thing all the time. Not everyone puts integrity at the top of their core values, but when YOU do, you'll build even more trust and respect with those who you interact with.
Be honest with yourself. Integrity is honesty and truthfulness. Truthfulness is the ultimate expression of integrity. And the first person you need to be true to, is yourself.
Be true to yourself in all areas of your life… Like Shakespeare wrote… "This above all: to thing own self be true. And it must follow, as the night the day; thou canst not then be false to any man"… So be true to yourself in order to attract people that will be true to you and support you in your goal of creating your best year ever.
Also, no matter what type of relationship you're dealing with, become genuinely interested in that other person, follow through on your commitments, and add value to the relationship without any particular expectation.
Begin to focus on your relationships. Determine who you need to spend your time with more, and eliminate those who are putting holes in your boat, as you sail easily and effortlessly toward your destination.
In the next lesson, we're going to discuss getting laser focused as you create your best year ever.
