Happy Valentine's Day!
Many complain that this is a commercial holiday, but I suggest using it as a reminder to cherish the important people in your life. With the amount of stress everyone is facing these days, why not take a moment to slow down and make a conscious effort to be mindful of the many valuable relationships in your life? Here are some ideas on how:
Employees
Some studies show that the number one reason employees leave organizations is that they don't feel appreciated. Use this day as a reminder to show appreciation to your organization's most valuable resource - your employees.
Thank them for a job well done and be as specific as possible
Thank them for their commitment to the success of the organization
Throw them an employee lunch or give them a small token - like a heart shaped chocolate
Co-workers
One of our most popular workshops highlights the huge impact our attitude has on the ones we work closely with. Why not use this day as a reminder to strengthen a relationship with one of your co-workers or your boss?
Thank them for something they've done to help you or make the office a great place to work
Open up - share something with them to deepen the relationship
Grab lunch, coffee, or fresh air together
Clients
Satisfied clients are a necessity to a profitable business. Use this holiday as a reminder to show yours how valuable they are to you and how much you appreciate their business.
Remember to smile every time you pick up the phone or greet a client face-to-face
Check in with a phone call to see how things are going or if they have any specific needs that aren't being met
Send a gift or a thoughtful word of appreciation
Self
According to Tamara Levitt (Calm app), those who are not in romantic relationships may feel challenged or lonely on this day. Love, like anything else in life, comes and goes. What is most important is the love we feel for ourselves. Remind yourself that your relationship status in no way determines your self-worth. Cultivating greater self-confidence will help you land that promotion, job or new client.
Suggestions for showing yourself some love:
Focus on self-care - give yourself the gift of a workout, a nap, or an enjoyable healthy meal
Book a message, facial, pedicure, etc.
Do something you love - read a book, listen to your favorite music, take a walk or a bath
Meditate - give Metta (loving kindness) meditation a try. A great 5 minute one is available on the Insight Timer app.
Significant Other
In addition to candy or flowers, you can give them the gift of your full presence and attention.
Suggestions:
Unplug - giving them your full attention starts with eye contact. Don't let them see the top of your head as you are scrolling your feeds or responding to texts or emails. If you are at dinner, agree to keep phones away.
Tell them what made you fall in love with them
Pay attention to their facial expressions
Listen without the need to solve their problems
Tell them you love them
Show appreciation - thank them for all of the ways they bring love into your life
If you do need to rely on technology, the app Ice Breakers for Couples has a lot of great questions to remind you both why you fell in love.
Children
Unplug - giving them your full attention starts with eye contact. Don't let them see the top of your head as you are scrolling your feeds or responding to texts. Keep all phones away at mealtime.
Tell them you love them
Tell them how proud you are of them
Tell them specifically what you love about them and what makes them special
Write a list of all the things you are thankful for about them (and share it)
Thank them for making you a parent
Parents
Nothing makes their day more than a phone call from their children
Thank them for all they have done for you
Friends
Pick up the phone and call a friend you haven't spoken to in a while
Thank them for being an important part of your life
Sometimes, the smallest changes can have a huge impact on the quality of our lives. I invite you to give one or more of these a try and let me know how it goes.
Thank you for allowing me to share these suggestions. I truly appreciate your taking the time to read this blog and wish you all the best of success! As always, please feel free to share this with your staff, colleagues or friends. Happy Valentine's Day!!!
Warm Regards, Janine Friedman, MSILR, SPHR, SHRM-SCP Owner/Training Facilitator and Coach
Choice Training and Coaching Solutions, Inc. 280 Main Street Suite Two Farmingdale, NY 11735 www.choicetrainingandcoaching.com Phone - 516-586-3302 Mobile - 516-225-8948 Success is a Choice.
