This is an odd thing for the 5and2Guy to say, but it’s true. No…I am not saying we have to die to save our relationships. What I am saying, just in different words, is that we have to live our lives with the end in mind.
In order to do this, sit down for five minutes and imagine you are sitting at your funeral. Nobody can see your spirit, just your body left behind. Look at everyone who has come. What do you imagine they will say at your funeral? How will you be remembered? Will you be remembered as the hard-nosed person who didn’t take any crap or as someone who is terribly missed and had a huge impact on all those around you?
If you want to have great relationships with people now, you need to treat them how you want to be remembered.
How Do You Want To Be Remembered?
How you answer this question will impact how you treat your friends and loved ones today. If you want people to love and miss you, and say great things, then you HAVE to be that person today. Do you want to be remembered as the loving husband or wife who gave your heart to your spouse? How about the guiding father or mother with unconditional love for your child? Or how about the dedicated community volunteer who gave of your time for the greater good?
How you answer this question and how you want to be remembered can guide you on how to treat people today and the relationships you want to build. If you want to be remembered in a certain way, then you need to act that way now. You have to start with the end in mind.
Start With The End In Mind!!!
I am sure we have all heard that we should start with the end in mind. So, if you are questioning how you can improve your relationships, then simply think about how you want to be remembered and then act in that way while you live. Pretty simple really. All you have to do is remember this in the actions you take each day.
Each day different events will pop up. Some good, some bad, some uplifting, and some challenging. When these events occur, you need to respond how you want to be remembered. That means you have to fight the immediate, off the cuff reaction that could be harsh when something bad happens. You need to be able to slow down and think about how you should respond before you give the typical emotional response that we have all been trained to give. You know the one…the one your ego says you have to give.
Slowing down and thinking about how you want to be remembered can help you respond to things in a more positive way, which can have a huge impact on your relationships.
Final Thoughts
I know it may be morbid to take five minutes and sit down to think about your own funeral, but it can also be very informative. You can imagine what you want people to say about you and identify the traits that will help you be that person now.
By starting with the end in mind, specifically YOUR end in mind, you can start acting in that way now. You can use it as a guide on how you should respond to things that happen in life in a more positive manner. Perhaps you won’t yell the next time your kid accidentally breaks a glass. Or perhaps you will cut your spouse or friend a break the next time they unintentionally hurt your feelings. If you can stop any typical, negative reactions to challenges in life and be more positive, your relationships are sure to improve and grow. You will surely live the life you want people to remember.