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11 Major Differences Between Busy vs Productive People

Do you know the difference between busy vs productive people? If not, you might feel like you aren’t making any progress even though you’re always doing something. By being busy but not productive, you waste your precious time and interfere with your advancement in life.

One difference is that a busy person rushes around frantically, talking about how busy they are. Productive people, on the other hand, stay calm, in control, and prioritizes essential tasks. They don’t constantly talk about their busy lives because they’re too busy managing their time wisely.

Busy vs productive might sound similar, but they are more different than you might realize. To be busy means that someone is always doing something, whereas being productive means getting things done. Productivity leads to better results and more free time, while business only causes stress.

Learning about the habits of a busy vs productive person can help you make a positive change in your life. You can begin eliminating your old ways of thinking and developing beneficial habits that lead to productivity. This change will make all the difference in your life.

You can ask me for anything you like, except time.”  -Napolean Bonaparte

Eleven Habits That Differentiate Between Busy Vs Productive People

Here are eleven ways you can see the difference between busy vs productive people:

busy vs productive1. They Prioritize

Productive people identify and prioritize the important and necessary tasks in their life. They keep these things separate from the things that aren’t as pressing or have no deadline. This type of person makes it a habit to quickly figure out the critical tasks to put at the top of their list.

Busy people will always have something to do, but they might not do the most important things first. They will work on things that aren’t due yet or don’t have a deadline at all while letting pressing matters wait. This habit causes them to feel stressed out and like they can’t get everything finished.

2. They Plan

Once a productive person has figured out the essential tasks, they create a plan. They schedule their day and make plans around their deadlines, allowing for plenty of work time. If they have a non-work-related event coming up, they plan their tasks around that, allotting time off for themselves.

This type of person also plans things like taking the best route for quickly accomplishing more than one errand. They plan anything that they can that will save time or energy, and they even plan for unexpected setbacks. By thinking about things that might come up, they prevent getting behind when an obstacle occurs.

Busy people will make multiple trips for separate errands because they didn’t plan. They will miss out on fun experiences because they didn’t accomplish enough during their dedicated work time. Plus, they will often feel overwhelmed and forget what to do next.

3. They Are Efficient

Being efficient goes along with planning, in a way. Once a plan is in place, an efficient person will use their time wisely. They stick to their plan and do what they intended to each day without unnecessarily wavering. Plus, they make sure to utilize every opportunity put in their path.

If they know they have to go somewhere, they consider what else they can get done there, too. So, if a productive person is getting a vehicle repair, they will get an oil change at the same time.

They will also bring work with them while traveling if they have to ride for a while. The downtime of travel is a time for the person to brainstorm, take notes, or focus on any reading material they have been putting off.

Busy people don’t think about how they can use their time more efficiently. They won’t use downtime to get other important tasks done, and they don’t think ahead about minimizing trips. Because of this, they end up wasting time and causing unnecessary stress for themselves.

4. They Say No

Productive people understand that they must say no sometimes, and they don’t take on more than they can handle. This type of person knows what is important in their life, and if another task threatens to interfere, they won’t agree to do it. Knowing when to say no gives them the time and energy to focus on their projects.

Busy people, however, take on more than they can handle. They don’t say no to anything, causing overwhelming stress. Plus, they won’t be as focused as they should be, potentially ruining their efforts.

5. They Do One Thing At A Time

Rather than jumping from task to task, the most productive people focus on one thing at a time. They do this to ensure they don’t miss something by getting sidetracked or distracted. When they focus on one thing, it also helps them work faster as they won’t have to keep shifting their focus.

Busy people try to multitask and do many things at once, however. Multitasking isn’t beneficial, and studies show that it may cause poor results. Plus, constantly shifting your focus will cause everything to take longer.

be productive6. They Do It Right The First Time

Efficient people do their best to do everything right the first time. It saves them time later as they won’t have to go back and fix things or redo them. They might take longer to get the task finished, but it saves them time in the end.

Busy people tend to rush through things to get it done quicker. Then, they have to go back and fix their mistakes later. Sometimes, they will even have to start all over again, resulting in more wasted time.

7. They Close The Door

When productive people have deadlines, they close their door. They do this as a signal to others not to disturb them, and it forces out distractions. When they do this, they can focus better and eliminate unnecessary interruptions.

Busy people enjoy interruptions, or at least they seem to welcome them by leaving their door open. They want to be a part of everything going on, even when that means their work takes longer. It disrupts their focus and can disrupt the quality of their work.

8. They Get The Job Done

Efficient people do whatever it takes to get things done. Once they set their mind to it, create a plan, and get started, they don’t stop until they are finished. Having this type of focus prevents procrastination and avoidance.

Busy people find any other task they can do before they sit down and focus on the big ones. They have excuses and waste time because the job seems too daunting. So, while they always have something to work on, they aren’t always getting things done.

9. Surround Themselves With Effective People

The people you spend your time around influence your mind more than you might initially realize. By surrounding themselves with other effective people, productive people can maintain their motivated mindset. This type of person wants people in their life that will encourage and inspire them.

On the other hand, busy people don’t pay attention to or care about the mindset of the people they spend their time around. If they are close to a slacker, they will begin to slack off, as well. They often give in to peer pressure, even when they know they should be working on something productive.

10. They Spend Their Time Wisely

Productive people understand that life isn’t all about work-related tasks or making money. They recognize the importance of being present for the people in your life. This acknowledgment allows them to let loose, forget about work, and enjoy their life regularly.

When they enjoy life, they learn to appreciate what they already have. Having a more positive mindset will further their productivity and lead to less stress in their lives. So, while it seems like productive people are sitting around having fun, they are actually preparing for their focused work time.

Busy people, however, often miss out on the joy in life because they aren’t spending their time wisely. Rather than being present and giving themselves a break from work-related thoughts, they continually do work-related tasks. This habit doesn’t allow them to get more work done, though, because it makes it harder to focus and be productive.

11. They Grow And Change

Change is part of life, and productive people don’t resist it. They adapt and grow based on the changes taking place in their lives. Forming new habits and letting go of old ones isn’t an issue for them, and they always continue moving forward.

Busy people hold onto the past as life changes, hindering their ability to grow. They resist change and struggle to develop new skills based on the changes. This mindset causes even the most basic tasks to be more difficult.

busy vs productiveFinal Thoughts on Habits That Differentiate Between Busy Vs Productive People

Differentiating between busy vs productive people is easy once you know the habits. If you notice that you do any of the things that busy people are guilty of, make it a point to implement new habits. There is always room for growth and development, so use this as your learning opportunity.

When people seem busy all of the time but aren’t productive, the problem lies in the habits of busy vs productive people. These habits are sure ways to recognize the difference.

3 Traits Every Trustworthy Person Has In Common

The old saying, “Good people are hard to find these days,” is as true now as ever. When you can be whoever or whatever you want to be online, when you can meticulously assemble the perfect life in pictures on your profile, despite that it doesn’t accurately reflect anything about your life, then why be honest? Why be who you actually are when you can be anything you want? Highly polished dating profiles, resumes, and social media avatars are all masks meant to obfuscate who we really are because who we really are is boring and average, relatively speaking. There is so much misinformation out there that it is becoming increasingly hard to trust anything or anyone. How can you determine if someone you are with is trustworthy? You will know them by their habits.

Here are three habits of trustworthy people:

1. They Let Others See Their Warts

No, not those kinds of warts, but maybe they do. The thing is that they are more than their highlight reel on social media. They have opinions and are ready to defend them ,even if it is unpopular. They dress the way they like, even if it looks a little kooky or boring to everyone else. That’s because they are not afraid to be their true and authentic selves. They don’t hide their eccentricities from others; they revel in them. Someone who is not afraid to be vulnerable and open themselves to ridicule will probably tell you the truth. Even when it is uncomfortable for both of you.

Fake people are deathly afraid of the poor opinions of others and will lie or hide their failures from everyone. They present a false facade to the world. How can you trust someone when you don’t really know who they are and what they stand for? Someone who is honest and trustworthy doesn’t feel the need to hide their true selves from themselves or the rest of the world. Their warts and their scars make them who they are. They care more for their integrity and staying true to themselves than their image.

2. They Consistently Deliver On Promises

Trustworthy people do what they say they are going to do. They are dependable. If they make you a promise, they will move heaven and Earth to keep it, if at all possible. If they can’t deliver, they will let you know as soon as possible. It is rare that they cancel plans with you because they are honest about their time and commitments. If they can’t commit to something, they will say so right up front and tell you why. They are honest with themselves and don’t overpromise in the first place. They value their integrity and only promise when they know they will be able to carry through with that promise, barring any actual emergencies. They’re consistent because their time is valuable to them and they understand that your time is just as valuable to you. They don’t want to waste your time or theirs with overblown promises, even if that might benefit them in the long run.

honesty quote power of positivity

3. They Do The Right Thing

People of honesty and integrity do the right thing, even when no one is looking. They have convictions, and they are willing to stand up for them. They’ll take stands even if the whole world is against them. They are honest about what they believe and why they believe it. They’re honest about the lengths to which they will go in order to honor those convictions. They do the right thing even if it is painful for them or someone they care about. They do it solely because it is the right thing to do to them. If they make a mistake, then they own up to it instead of trying to shift blame to someone or something else. They own their failures and learn from them. They do not hide their failures from others. Instead, they use them as a lesson not to make the same mistake in the future.

They don’t take advantage of those weaker than them. They don’t leverage your genuine emergency to enrich themselves. In fact, they donate to those in need or who are doing a critical job with little support. They work in charities and give freely to those less fortunate than themselves. They don’t do the right thing for praise or expect some reward.

10 Year Study Reveals What Happens To Your Body When You Drink Diet Soda Every Day

Soft drinks are the beverage of choice for millions of Americans, but sugary drinks increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. – Harvard University, T.H. Chan School of Public Health

When Harvard University publishes anything related to health, it warrants due attention. When the acclaimed University publishes that the health of millions is at-risk because of a product they consume nearly every day – sometimes, multiple times a day – it warrants extra due attention.

While this article does not predominantly draw from information obtained from Harvard studies, the fact that a world-class institution is sending out warnings to soda drinkers is a significant development. Indeed, they’ve done just that.

The findings that Harvard University, and a number of other academic institutions, scientists, researchers, public health experts, and the like have uncovered about soft drinks (i.e., soda, pop) are – quite literally – terrifying, and potentially very dangerous.

Consider these statistics about soda consumption:

–  1 in 5 Americans report drinking at least one soda a day (this number is likely higher)

–  Average American drinks 50 gallons of soda per year – the equivalent of about 39 pounds of sugar

No problem…we’ll just switch to diet, right? This rhetorical question actually serves as a transition to this article: the adverse health effects of diet soda.

10 Year Study Reveals What Happens To Your Body When You Drink Diet Soda Every Day

According to a 10-year study conducted at the University of Iowa, consuming two or more diet sodas a day increases the risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke. The demographic for this study was otherwise-healthy, postmenopausal women. The findings were significant enough that they were presented at the prestigious American College of Cardiology’s annual meeting in Washington D.C.

The study focuses on the consumption of diet soda and the cardiovascular health of 60,000 women. After countless hours of research, scientists discovered that women who consume more than two diet soft drinks daily had a 30 percent higher chance of having a “cardiovascular event.” Perhaps more disturbingly, researchers concluded that women with this habit were 50 percent more likely to die from a cardiovascular-related illness or disease.

Dr. Ankur Vyas, lead researcher of the study and staff member at the University of Iowa (UI)Hospitals and Clinics states: “This is one of the largest studies on the topic, and our findings are consistent with some previous data, especially those linking diet drinks to the metabolic syndrome.”

Metabolic syndrome, as defined by WebMD, includes “a cluster of conditions – increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waste, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels…(occurring) together, an increased risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.”

In other words, consuming diet soda may cause anything from high blood pressure and weight gain, to a heart attack or stroke.  

Anyways, this brief digression aside, UI researchers decided to divide the nearly 60,000 participants into four groups, based on soda consumption: two or more diet drinks daily, five to seven diet drinks per week, one to four diet drinks per week, and zero to three diet drinks per month. Individuals were placed into one of four groups based off of their self-reported, three-month consumption of diet beverages.

After a follow-up period of nearly 10 years, researchers correlated a number of conditions to increasing levels of soda consumption, including: increased risk of cardiovascular death, congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, coronary revascularization procedure (surgery to increase blood flow to heart), heart attack, ischemic stroke (low blood supply to body tissues), and peripheral arterial disease (fatty deposits in arteries).

The methodology used to reach these conclusions appears foolproof. Researchers mitigated any and all demographical characteristics, including risk factors. Specifically, the team disregarded body mass index (BMI), diabetes, high cholesterol, hormone therapy use, hypertension, salt intake, and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption. Yet, the trends remained constant.

Other findings: women consuming 2+ diet drinks per day were more likely to be smokers; had higher BMI; higher blood pressure, and an increased risk of diabetes.

Given this study and many others, it may be concluded that soda – of any kind, sweetened or not – is a potential health hazard. These findings are even the more sobering when one considered just how ubiquitous the consumption of soft drinks really is.

Related article: 6 Things People With A Healthy Gut Do Differently

People all over the world are choosing to minimize sugar intake, and for good reason…but what is the alternative? For years, diet soda has been marketed as a healthier, safer drink of choice and many people chose to place their faith in such guidance.

Perhaps David Wolfe, as controversial as he is, summarizes it best:

“Diet soda is one of the biggest marketing scams of all time…Soda manufacturers are charging more for a product that’s worse for you, all while convincing millions of Americans it’s a healthier option.”

References:
The University of Iowa. (2014, March 31). UI study finds diet drinks associated with heart trouble for older women. Retrieved November 18, 2016, from https://now.uiowa.edu/2014/03/ui-study-finds-diet-drinks-associated-heart-trouble-older-women
Soft Drinks and Disease. (2016). Retrieved November 18, 2016, from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/healthy-drinks/soft-drinks-and-disease/
Wolfe, D. A. (2016). 10 Year Study Links Diet Soda To THESE Deadly Diseases! – David Avocado Wolfe – DavidWolfe.com. Retrieved November 18, 2016, from https://www.davidwolfe.com/10-year-study-links-diet-soda-deadly-diseases/
(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

Psychologist Reveals Why Everyone Should Have A Bucket List

“Bucket lists are helpful in that they’re a way of listening to your inner wisdom. It’s so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind, to-do lists, going to work and coming home, doing chores, and the like – you can lose sight of that inner compass.” – Dr. Shilagh Mirgain

Shilagh Mirgain is no ordinary athlete. Mirgain holds a PhD, and is an accomplished health psychologist at the University of Wisconsin (UW) School of Medicine and Public Health. According to her faculty profile on the UW website, Dr. Mirgain pursues clinical interests that span anxiety disorders; to sport psychology; to the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

She’s also exceptional in another way, having climbed the highest peak in Africa – Mount Kilimanjaro. The task was mountainous (pun intended), with Dr. Mirgain rigorously preparing for the journey over four years. First, beginning with basic jaunts in simple hiking boots; to working out every day; to simulating the rigorous hike with a weighted backpack.

Dr. Mirgain’s choice to add climbing the mountain to her bucket list came from a simple postcard. People she’d met that were climbing the mountain had sent it to her, and she kept it someplace visible, vowing to one day accomplish the same.

Much easier said, than done.

Mount Kilimanjaro is indeed a massive landmark, reaching a peak of 5,895 meters (about 19,340 feet): the tallest freestanding mountain in the entire world. According to many sources, only about 40 percent of those that try ever reach the summit of the mountain. About 10 people a year die trying.

So, how did Dr. Mirgain accomplish such an extraordinary feat? Well, she had a bucket list. No joke. “I keep pictures of my bucket list items on my refrigerator. When I complete something I take that photo down and put it on another board in my home, along with a photo of myself at that place,” says Dr. Mirgain, whose own bucket list focuses heavily on travel and adventure.

So, why should you have a bucket list?

According to Dr. Mirgain, bucket lists are especially useful for keeping goals at the forefront of our mind. As we all know, it is quite easy to be overwhelmed by the heavy sense of day-to-day responsibilities and obligations. A bucket list is a way of keeping us grounded.

In other words: a bucket list is a way of connecting people with something that is greater than themselves.

Many of us have a schedule that looks very similar: work, family, eat, sleep, repeat. Dr. Mirgain insists that keeping a bucket list helps us remember what is truly important regarding our own sense of self-fulfillment.

Sufficient anecdotal evidence exists supporting the link between bucket lists and goal achievement; however, it was not until only recently that research backs up this claim, as well. Perhaps more importantly, keeping a bucket list may also translate into a more fulfilling life.

It turns out that a bucket list, similar to many other “lists,” is effective for a couple of very important reasons:

First, a bucket list helps to increase motivation – an essential attribute for the accomplishment of a goal. The correlation between goals and motivation is so strong, that many psychologists include the words “goal” and “motivation” interchangeably when defining one or the other. For instance, Terence Mitchell – a prominent behavioral psychologist and prolific author – defines motivation as: “those psychological processes that cause the arousal, direction, and persistence of voluntary actions that are goal directed.”

Second, a bucket list increases achievement. Hundreds of studies have discovered a direct link between goal setting and achievement. These studies span goal-setting and academics; goal-setting and health; goal-setting and recreation (e.g. travel); goal-setting and money management…and so forth.

So, should you create a bucket list?

Well, of course, this is completely up to you. Perhaps you really enjoy living a spontaneous life, and see no need for “listing out” you wish to do. Perhaps you are a busy person that can see the immense benefit of keeping what’s important at the forefront of your mind.

These basic observations aside, science appears to support the notion that bucket listing is an effective activity; not only for the achievement of lifetime goals, but for the ultimate experience we all wish to have: a more fulfilling life.

Related article: 25 Things You Should Do While You’re Still Young

References:
LaBianca, J. (2016, October 24). How a bucket list can make your life more meaningful | reader’s digest. Retrieved November 25, 2016, from Everyday Wellness, http://www.rd.com/health/wellness/bucket-list-benefits/
Nelson, M. (2010, February 19). Ten interesting facts about Mt. Kilimanjaro | Blog posts | WWF. Retrieved November 25, 2016, from World Wildlife Fund, http://www.worldwildlife.org/blogs/good-nature-travel/posts/ten-interesting-facts-about-mt-kilimanjaro
Turkay, S. (2014). Setting Goals: Who? Why? How? Manuscript submitted for publication, Harvard University, Cambridge Massachusetts, Cambridge. Retrieved November 25, 2016, from http://hilt.harvard.edu/files/hilt/files/settinggoals.pdf
UW School of Medicine. Shilagh A. Mirgain, PhD. (2016, November 21). Retrieved November 25, 2016, from University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, http://www.uwhealth.org/findadoctor/profile/shilagh-a-mirgain-phd/6930
(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

25 Things Every Person Needs To Know Before Having Kids

The struggle is real. You have no idea until you have a baby in your house full time. No amount of babysitting, classes or books can really prepare you. It is a trial by poop. Lots and lots of poop. Before you dive off into the deep end, you should know some things about having kids.

25 Things Every Person Needs To Know Before Having Kids

1. Every Kid Needs Something a Little Different

Every kid needs something a little different from you. Some need attention constantly and some need to be left alone. Your kid will let you know what they need in subtle and not so subtle ways.

2. Kids Develop At Their Own Pace

Potty training, talking, eating on their own – these are all things kids do, but every kid tackles them at different stages and takes a different amount of time to develop them. Hang in there and keep trying. They will get it eventually.

3. Lighten Up

Develop a sense of humor or cultivate the one you already have. You are going to need it. A sense of humor will keep you sane.

4. Sleep Deprivation Is Real

Eight hours of uninterrupted sleep is a figment of your imagination. Sleeping in? HA! Hasta la vista baby. Take a page from the military veterans and learn to sleep when you can, anywhere you can.

tired parents

5. Kids Freak Out Over Literally Nothing

Kids will completely lose their sh*t over nothing. You didn’t do anything wrong. They just aren’t in control of their emotions.

6. Kids Push Boundaries

Tell them not to do something and they will smile and slowly do that very thing right in front of you to see what they can get away with. They will push the boundaries that you set for them. Stand firm. Kids need boundaries to keep them safe and to teach them what is and isn’t acceptable behavior.

7. Kids Want To Explore

Kids will get into everything. They are a miniature Houdini when they want to be. They want to explore and learn. Their developing brain is driving them to seek out new things. Be watchful, but indulge their learning whenever possible.

8. Buy Mac n Cheese

Buy the sh*t out of this stuff. It is like an addiction with them.

9. Keep Your Head On A Swivel

Develop your situational awareness. They will wander off or get into something when you get distracted from them. If it is quiet, then they are up to something.

10. Develop Your Patience

They are not adults and not completely in control of themselves. They will piss you off. Take a deep breath and let it go. Don’t respond to them in anger. Be firm but be in control of yourself. They will test your patience.

11. Embrace Repetition

Kids learn through repetition. They will repeat phrases, words, songs or actions. They will watch the same movie or show or listen to the same songs hundreds of times. You will have to repeat things for them until they get them.

12. Let Go Of Control

Set boundaries and then let them loose within those boundaries. Don’t try to control their every action or decision. They have their own agency. Let them figure out who they are within the limits of safety and decency.

13. Embrace Routine

Find a routine that works for you both and get used to it. Kids love routines and will flip out when those routines are changed. This is doubly true of kids with mental disabilities.

14. Don’t Manipulate With Rewards or Punishments

Bribery and threats only work for the very short term. Then, kids figure out how to work the system or get tired of the reward / punishment. Positive encouragement and known punishments for bad behavior work when applied consistently.

15. Be Mindful Of Your Words

They hear everything you say and will repeat it at the worst possible time.

16. Be Mindful Of Your Actions

They will mimic your behavior and tone. You have to lead by example.

17. You Are Not Their Buddy

If they are happy with you all of the time, then you are neglecting your duties. You are not their friend. You are their parent, and sometimes that means being the bad guy.

18. You Like Cartoons Right?

You will know every song and every line of dialogue. You will find yourself watching their shows when they are not around.

19. Manage Your Time Wisely

They have a routine and you have a job. You both have interests. You will need to find time for all of you to not only indulge your personal sports or hobbies, but also to spend time together.

20. Kids Are A Roller Coaster Ride

One minute they are happy as can be, and the next, it is the apocalypse, then back to being chipper. A kid’s emotional range is vast and they will swing back and forth. Roll with it. Enjoy the ride.

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21. Cherish The Little Moments

Amid the dirty diapers and tantrums over nothing, there will be fleeting moments of pure joy. They will be burned into your memory. Cherish them.

22. Embrace The Chaos

You cannot control the wind. All you can do is adjust the sails. Don’t try to maintain rigid control over them or your life. Be flexible and learn to bend before you break.

23. Pick Your Battles

You can guide them in the general direction you want them to go, but they will color outside the lines. If you fight them on everything, they will rebel even more. Be firm on the important things and be flexible with everything else.

24. Be Firm and Consistent

Kids like structure and boundaries, as do the rest of us. Establish the rules and boundaries in your household and then apply those rules consistently and firmly.

25. Giving Up Is Not An Option

Walking away from your responsibilities is unacceptable. You signed up for life when you had them. There is no do-over. No matter how much they succeed or screw up, you are there for them, forever. It is a lifetime commitment. You bleed for them, you sacrifice for them, you teach them, you lead them and when necessary, you carry them. They are the culmination of millions of years of work and effort. You both are but torch bearers in a much longer journey.

5 Words You Need to Remember To Make Your Relationship Last

A great relationship doesn’t just happen overnight. They are cultivated over many years and through hardships. They are born out of mutual respect and admiration. People with great relationships have them because each person in the relationship puts their partner’s well-being and happiness above their own. They take the time to learn each other’s needs and wants. They understand that they may give and receive love differently than each other. These couples respect boundaries that their partner sets out for them. They live their lives together by doing things together and spending time together. They laugh together and at each other. There are five words encapsulating what it means to have a great relationship with your partner.

If you want to have a great relationship that lasts, remember these five words:

1. Learn

You have to learn what makes your partner tick. Learn the little things they like, don’t like, hate or love. Spending a lot of time with your partner will help you learn some of these things organically through your interactions with them. You have to ask about some things and probe deeper into your relationship to uncover the hidden meaning behind some of their behaviors. If you take the time to understand your partner, you can see their side in an argument and get where they are coming from. Things they do or say don’t just come out of nowhere but are a logical progression from their personal history, thoughts, emotions, and beliefs.

2. Lines

Every person and every relationship has boundaries or lines that you do not cross. Learning where these lines are and why they are there is critical to a long-term relationship. Couples who have great relationships know where their partner’s lines are and respect them by not crossing them. Respecting each other’s boundaries is an extension of your love and respect for your partner.

3. Live

Live your lives together. Great couples have great relationships because they are really choosing to live their lives together, hand in hand. This sounds kind of obvious but some people are so wrapped up in their own profession, business, family and hobbies that they spend more time away from their partner than with them. People have great relationships because there is nothing that they would rather do and no one they would rather be with than their partner. They do things together, they engage in conversations more substantial than small talk and the routine “how was your day?” People need time to do their own thing and that is not only understandable but to be encouraged. People who have great relationships always return to their partner, though, because they truly enjoy each others company.

4. Laugh

Laughter is the best medicine and being able to make your partner laugh is a key ingredient to a great relationship. Couples who are happy laugh together. Whether the cause is a silly inside joke or a witty observation about something serious, it doesn’t matter. Getting your partner to laugh when they are in a crappy mood or had a rough day can burn away stress that otherwise might accumulate to unbearable levels. Couples in great relationships are also very good at laughing at themselves. They don’t take themselves or each other too seriously. Also, they don’t hold onto old hurts or get bent out of shape over little things. They let them go and laugh them off.

relationship

5. Love

Everyone gives and receives love differently. People who have great relationships understand this and seek to give their partner the type of love they need from them. They also understand that they are different and that what works for one person probably doesn’t work for the other. They learn how to love each other in a way that makes the other person in the relationship happiest. Additionally, they are dedicated to loving each other even when they don’t like each other very much. Couples are going to piss each other off at some point or fight about something important. It happens to everyone. What sets the great relationship apart is that both people understand and forgive each other and love them even when they disagree.

References:

5 Simple but Often Forgotten Ways to Keep a Relationship Strong


http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/5-foundations-every-successful-relationship-needs.html

Text(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved
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