From the course: Time Management Tips

Make time to build relationships

From the course: Time Management Tips

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Make time to build relationships

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- Are you making enough time in your day for loved ones and family members? This includes anyone that you're close to, such as friends, boyfriend, girlfriend, even your pet. While my question may sound like a personal relationship issue, time spent building relationships has a significant impact on your time management and productivity. In my book, The Power of Having Fun, I talk about a variety of studies that show that when you make consistent time for those that you love, not only does it strengthen the relationship, but it improves your performance at work. Once such study published by the American Psychological Association referred to this as the Work/Home Resources Model. By filling up your tank of resources at home, you perform better at work. The same goes for those that you care about. When they have a strong relationship with you, they'll perform better at work or school or whatever they're doing. If you want to boost your career and your productivity, make spending time with loved ones a priority. But don't take my word for it. I suggest that you engage in a little experiment for a few weeks. First, start by asking someone you care about this question, "What would you like us to do together?" Then listen to their answer. Have a discussion with them about the kinds of activities that you might do together. Not only will this discussion make it easier to plan but the conversation also has the added benefit of bringing you closer together. Next create a schedule of the times you'll do this activity together. I recommend beginning with a schedule of at least once per week. Keep in mind that this activity does not have to be long. It can be as short as 30 minutes. Also keep the cost to a minimum. In fact, I recommend you start out by keeping your budget cheap to free. After you create a recurring appointment in your calendar, stick with it. When the time arrives, make sure that you protect that time. You'll likely encounter all sorts of reasons why you shouldn't spend this time together, from just not feeling up to it, to feeling like you have too much going on and you're too busy. Regardless of how you feel prior to the event, follow through. My experience working with clients who have done this have shown that when they follow through, even if they didn't feel up to it in the moment, after they get into the activity with their loved one, they're glad that they did it. Try this experiment for a few weeks and see what impact it has on your energy and workplace performance. I believe you'll find what my clients have found. When you make it a priority to spend time with those you love, both you and they will experience a boost in your overall productivity.

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