How to Build the Most Powerful Connections for Epic Success

Establishing deep meaningful genuine relationships with others is a vital aspect of personal and professional success. Numerous studies have found that social connections are essential for our overall well-being, both physical and mental. 

Despite this, people often tend to overlook its importance in their lives. There’s plenty of reasons behind it.

Firstly, the hectic nature of modern-day life may involve long working hours and various other responsibilities. Consequently, people fail to allocate adequate time to nurture their relationships with others. 

Secondly, we’ve got spoiled by the simplicity of connecting with others through social media. It stimulates us to have more connections at the expense of their quality and at the same time makes it harder to find your crowd in the vast digital sea of people.

Thirdly, some individuals may not recognize the significance of proper relationships in their lives. They may prefer to focus on broadening their professional network rather than on deepening a narrower number of connections. 

After all, it’s what we are being taught by the majority of success gurus.

So, how can connecting with other humans uplift your life?

Relationships Improve Health

In the spring of 2022 there was a wave of publications about the epidemic of loneliness in the United States, like this story published in the New York Times. It fired up the discussion about the negative impact that loneliness has on humans. 

There’s indeed a number of studies that prove the importance of quality communication with others for our physical and mental health.

Some scientists say that loneliness equals smoking 15 cigarettes per day and we feel less stressed when we have a support system of other people. A few studies showed that stronger relationships decrease mortality – individuals with better social connections tend to outlive those who have less of them. 

Social ties promote a more thoughtful attitude towards health because you have people who care about you and you want to be in your best shape for them as well. 

“Connection is why we’re here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives. The power that connection holds in our lives was confirmed when the main concern about connection emerged as the fear of disconnection; the fear that something we have done or failed to do, something about who we are or where we come from, has made us unlovable and unworthy of connection.” – Brené Brown

Relationships Help Personal Growth

Just like meaningful relationships motivate us to take better care of our health, they assist personal growth. They help us develop a stronger sense of self. When we communicate with other people, we are forced to confront our own values, beliefs, and emotions.

 We learn to identify and express our needs and desires, and this can lead us to becoming more self-aware and confident. We also learn to set boundaries and assert ourselves, which is a crucial skill for personal growth and development.

Moreover, we can choose to socialize with people who motivate us to do better. It’s a simpler task to lead a healthy lifestyle if you are surrounded by those who have the same goal as you. It’s easier to learn a new skill if you immerse yourself in the community of like-minded people. 

It’s a well-known fact that our social circle impacts our personality, so we can elevate ourselves by establishing relationships with our role-models. 

Besides, when connecting with other humans, we are more motivated to explore the world around us. It’s easier to leave the comfort zone when being in the company of other people. Visiting galleries, restaurants, and festivals brings more fun and joy if there’s somebody else living the same experience by your side. 

We enrich shared experiences when we discuss them with each other. Basically, other people are essential for broadening our horizons.

Choose Relationships over Networking

Networking has been a buzzword for many years, and it is often touted as the key to success in any industry. However, it’s rather narrow and limiting because it’s a formal thing which often doesn’t go far beyond a formal introduction, business cards exchange and a stiff inquiry about work-related matters. It can be superficial and transactional, with little regard for building genuine relationships. 

Establishing relationships involves investing time and effort in getting to know people on a deeper level. It involves building trust, rapport, and mutual respect. One of the main reasons why building relationships is better than networking is that it allows for a more natural and organic connection, which can be more beneficial in the long run.

When you have built a strong relationship with someone, you are more likely to be able to work together effectively. You can share ideas, resources, and expertise, which can lead to more successful partnerships and collaborations. 

When you have established a genuine connection with somebody, they are more likely to support you in your endeavors. They will be more willing to refer you to others, provide you with opportunities, and help you achieve your goals. 

Choose In-Person over Online

While online communication and social media can be helpful in maintaining connections, research has shown that connecting offline in real life is crucial for our well-being. A study published in the journal Computers in Human Behavior found that excessive use of social media can lead to feelinп lonelн and socially isolated. 

In contrast, in-person interactions have been found to promote feelings of connectedness and reduce feelings of loneliness. Also there was research showing that people feel better when they socialize both digitally and in-person rather than when they’re not socializing. However, people who socialize in person felt better than those who socialized digitally. 

Furthermore, connecting with others in person can lead to the release of oxytocin, a hormone that promotes feelings of trust and bonding. Therefore, it is important to prioritize face-to-face interactions with others in addition to online communication. 

This can include activities such as meeting friends for coffee or attending social events in your community. By making an effort to connect with others offline, we can enhance our overall well-being and strengthen our social relationships.

Relationships with others is a superpower if done thoughtfully and with an open heart. People bring value to your life and help you elevate yourself both as a person and as a professional. They also bring a lot of joy and good memories.