I just learned the term ‘rich relationships’ and immediately understood how these contribute directly and significantly to our lives and our wellness.
A ‘rich relationship’, according to author Tom Corley, is defined by mindset. He describes people who contribute to these kinds of ‘positive impact’ connections as people who have lofty goals and aspirations on which they spend lots of energy. He says they are also sure to have some of the following traits.
Positive mental outlook: They’re the entire opposite of downers; they bring an upbeat and optimistic type of energy to the table.
Gratitude: They are appreciative and focus on what they have, not what others have.
Encouraging attitude: They inspire and motivate others to pursue their dreams.
Hard work ethics: They take action on their goals and never quit.
Health-oriented: They devote time to taking care of their physical and mental health. This might mean engaging in leisure time or exercising.
Humility: They see egotism as a deficiency.
Future-oriented: They invest in themselves and for the long-term, instead of seeking instant gratification.
Open to feedback: They accept feedback — from their friends, colleagues, family and mentors — and see it as a means to pivot what they’re doing in order to achieve success.
Loyalty: They are trustworthy, responsible and reliable.
Authenticity: They don’t pretend to be someone they aren’t. This is because they like who they are.
Influence: They have some degree of influence, power or recognition in their field of work. They can open doors for others that otherwise would have been closed.
Curious: They seek to improve their knowledge and skills in topics they want to learn more about. This might mean going the library, taking an online class or actively seeking mentors.
When I read this list, I think of some of my favorite people and why I love them. I already know that spending time with those people is good for me. Investing in these relationships, doing my best to exhibit these qualities also, is a goal for me.
The flip side is spending less time on relationships that are not as beneficial…or even ‘toxic’. We’ve probably all experienced what this can do to your life. It is not a pretty sight and it will, absolutely, be detrimental for your wellbeing.
Something else I saw recently went a step further and suggested that each of us needs a few—just a few—‘lifeline relationships’. These are with trusted close friends who will give you feedback and mutual support, encouraging you to reach your full potential. In his book, “Who’s Got Your Back’, author Keith Ferrazi goes even further and states that, without this close inner circle of lifeline relationships, you’ll find yourself in situations that are too much for you to handle alone and you’ll fail.
Take the time to think about where you direct your time and attention. Focus on nurturing those ‘rich relationships’, think about who is really in your inner circle of ‘lifeline relationships’. Spend less time with those who don’t make your life better, who don’t increase your own positivity, and with whom you don’t have a mutually beneficial supportive friendship. You’ll find yourself improved in body and mind.