Relate…

No regrets does not belong in your belief system. Someone I can relate to does. Remember, two of our deepest human needs are to belong and become. Most men move on. Most men, late in life, wished they had let another in. They waited too long. They played it safe too long. They settled for skin deep instead of seeing beyond.

One of the most common regrets I see firsthand as a result of this work is the lack of real relationship in many of the most successful among us. Yesterday, I challenged one of my new clients to align his behaviors toward his espoused beliefs. I challenged him to go home and be with his boys. I challenged him by telling him his behavior toward his boys did NOT align with his beliefs and he’s been rationalizing instead of thinking rationally. He agreed.

He went home a bit more in alignment. He went home to be with someone he is related to. He went home to begin to relate. He went home to repair. He went home to be with. He went home to understand. He went home to build some kinda connection. He went home because he got some clarity about his beliefs and behaviors. He became aware of an integrity gap and stopped thinking he would close it later. Very cool.

He will not regret this decision. He will discovery he and his son, regardless their differences, can relate. Both, overtime and through adversity, will be the better for it. Father and son will relate. When he’s 90 he will look back on this decision and smile.

Today, go and do likewise. Relate.