In many modern cultures, independence is prized. We’re encouraged to succeed on our own and are told stories of lone heroes. But the truth is, the most effective and successful leaders know how to be in healthy relationships with others. The most effective and successful leaders know how to connect. Many of us, though, were never shown how to do that. As a result, in a world that can be very isolating, many of us, inside, are just straight up lonely.
Connection, though, can be learned and practiced and we can prime our brains for it. In fact, our brains were made for it. In relation to our body size, humans have larger brains than other animals. It’s the work of anthropologist Robin Dunbar that posits the reason; the size of the neocortex relates to the size of an animal’s social group. The human brain is large because we are meant to be social creatures. So, how do we practice connection?
🗣 Try saying something real to somebody.
What does that even mean? If someone asks us how we are, how often do we answer automatically with “fine” or “great” or even by returning the question, “Hey! how are you?” There’s nothing wrong with casual pleasantries and all the friendly relationships we keep light. But are there opportunities in our days where we could really connect with someone but we miss them or we let them pass? Could you tell your buddy that you’re in a rough patch in your marriage and you’re scared? Could you tell the coffee shop owner, “You know, I always like coming in here because you’ve got the best taste in music.”
Learn more in our Mental Fitness Training Guide. (link in bio)
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