We are tethered to those around us. It’s not just an economic thing. It’s not necessarily a karma thing. But the things that happen in our tightest circles have consequences—for everyone involved.
Studies have shown that “your chances of becoming happy, depressed or obese in the future, as well as the likelihood that you would give up smoking, were all strongly correlated with similar changes in your closest friend,” as reported in the new book Friends: Understanding the Power of Our Most Important Relationships.
And you thought your BFF was special before!
Those studies have found that, like a team of mountain climbers, our close friend group can create a virtuous cycle. As one ascends, everyone else follows. When any of you improves, you all do.
- Point your friends to resources they might be able to use. Making connections is one of those habits that’s practically free to practice and could be invaluable to the other party. (As an aside, this is why we love being able to offer free guides on our website… Never know who may be able to use them!)
- Connect your resources to your values, and recognize others when you notice them doing the same. When folks live in an aligned way—and are conscious of it—it creates a positive feedback loop. As an example, we’ve been working with a few clients recently who’ve helped challenge our thinking about some of our holdings and examining the big picture in fresh ways. We’re all better for the process.
- Celebrate together, hang in there together. Okay, this has us thinking about you, our clients. We love cheering on your milestones, those moments where you realize you’ve got what you need to do something in your real life… and we’re here to navigate the rest with you. Ups and downs, highs and lows. Part of the joy we share in the good times is the community we forge in the not-so-good ones.
The takeaways seem pretty clear to us (and for our friends!). Want to reach new summits? Build and invest in a team that will help make that happen. We know it’s been a good approach in our shop.
Clients, write or call when you’re ready to talk about your next goals, challenges, or anything else.
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