Making Life Easier in Your 20's
- Nicole Arini
- Oct 16, 2020
- 3 min read
From the ages of 18-24, you will grow and develop dramatically. This can be physically, mentally, emotionally, professionally, etc.
One thing we do every single day is create relationships. Whether it is new relationships in class or work, or even among friends. What we fail to acknowledge in our daily life is the impact of our relationships. In my past three years at the University of Tampa I have met hundreds, if not thousands of new people.
I was able to get an internship that I didn’t feel I was suited for, I have a job, I am liked by my classmates and professors, but all because of one thing. By making strong connections with people and knowing how to talk.
In your 20’s you have a social life, school life and if you're working, a professional life.
But have you noticed that your strongest relationships are usually the most beneficial?
For example, if you create a good relationship with your professor, they don’t typically mind if you need help or maybe they will move a deadline.
By creating a good relationship with your boss, you may be more likely to get your requests for time off, approved.
When you have a good relationship with friends, they don’t mind doing you favors.
But let’s think about this. How likely is the student who is sitting in the back of their class, day dreaming, on their phone, going to win over their professor? Not likely.
What about your co-worker who only does the bare minimum or doesn’t talk to others in the office? I’ll tell you that he is not putting himself at any advantage.
And what about your friend who never answers the phone? Pretty soon that friend will stop being invited to gatherings all together.
In the video, “5 Ways to Create Stronger Connections,” by Robert Reffkin, he suggests 5 simple tips that can make your life a whole lot easier.
THE 5 STEPS:
1. Write a letter:
Show this person you care. Reffkin conveys that it shows that you are willing to go above and beyond. Whether it is a thank you letter to a professor, co-worker or friend, it will show this person that you value them or what they have done for you. Show people that they have made an impact.
2. Pick up the phone and call:
Personal calls set the tone and make people feel welcomed. This can also get people to be more transparent.
3. Ask interesting and meaningful questions:
Engage with others. Get to know the people you have relationships with. Asking someone questions gets them comfortable with you.
4. Answer questions with honesty:
People appreciate honest answers and feedback. Open up and show the people around you the type of person you are. This is another way to make others comfortable.
5. Turn the camera on:
Video conferences over a phone call opens the doorway for strong communication. It helps when you can see someone’s body language and pick up on social cues you might not notice just from hearing their voice. This helps you and others to be present and live in the moment.
How to Simply Apply This to Your Life:
Now that we have the tools to succeed, it’s time to take action.
If your boss gives you feedback on your work, write them a letter thanking them for their help and that you are applying what they shared with you into your work.
If you want to make plans with a friend, pick up the phone and call them. Ask them how they are, make them feel valued.
If you’re getting drinks with co-workers, ask them what motivates them or ask about their personal life. This shows that you are a real person outside of the workplace.
When your classmate asks for feedback on their work, be honest because your insight could be beneficial to them.
When you need help with an assignment, ask to Zoom with your professor rather than e-mailing back and forth. This shows you are dedicated to your education and want to improve.
By applying these steps when you’re in your 20’s you will make it a habit in your relationships for the years after and it will become second nature. A few changes in your effort to make relationships will only benefit you. For our generation, these tasks may seem a bit uncomfortable, but the quote, “good things never come from comfort zones,” is true and practicing these tasks can lead to exponential growth.
Here is the link to “5 Ways to Make Stronger Connections.”
Photo retrieved from: https://pixabay.com/photos/workplace-team-business-meeting-1245776/
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