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, especially this year. With the amount of stress everyone is facing during this pandemic, 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 rolling with all of the Covid-19-related challenges and changes
Thank them for their commitment to the success of the organization
Greet them with eye-contact and a smile - even when (especially when) you are video-chatting
Schedule a virtual employee lunch or coffee get-together next week
Co-workers
Our energy has a huge impact on those we work closely with, even if that work is virtual. Why not use this holiday as a reminder to strengthen a relationship with one of your co-workers or boss?
Thank them for something they've done to help you or make the organization a great place to work
Open up - share something with them (like challenges you are facing) to deepen the relationship
Ask them how they are handling their pandemic stress
Greet them with eye-contact and a smile
Grab a virtual 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, dial into the video call, or greet a customer face-to-face. Even if you are wearing a mask, they can see the smile in your eyes
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.
Suggestions for showing yourself some love:
Focus on self-care - give yourself the gift of a workout, a nap, or an enjoyable healthy meal
Do something you love - read a book, listen to your favorite music, take a walk or a bath
Meditate - head over to YouTube or a meditation app. and give Metta (loving kindness) meditation a try. This type of meditation often starts with wishing yourself well. If you don't start with yourself, you won't have much to give to others.
Spend some time in nature/watch the sunset or sunrise
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)
Let your eyes light up every time they enter the room
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 to all my clients and those who double-clicked for allowing me to share these suggestions. I truly appreciate every one of you and wish you all the best of success! As always, please feel free to share this email with your staff, colleagues or friends. Happy Valentine's Day!!!
Janine Friedman, Owner of Choice Training and Coaching Solutions, Inc. is an executive and leadership coach. She coaches stressed out executives who want to work smarter, lead better and live happier. To learn more about her background click here.
To schedule a conversation to discuss these ideas further, click here.
Success is a Choice.
