Working on Enhancing Relationships
Last week I unfortunately missed session one, due to a prior commitment I made. I was disappointed that I would miss the education of everyone’s name, but as time went on, I was more excited for this class than I expected myself to be.
I had already met everyone, therefore I was really looking forward to all of the talks and breakthroughs people were looking to share. I was confident that everyone was increasingly becoming more comfortable with one another and breaking out of their shells. Man were my expectations accurate! Everyone was at such ease with one another… more so than I even expected. Some of the students whom were so tremendously panicky at the orientation suddenly had this presence about them that was electrifying. I’m like, are these the same people? The lady who was afraid to introduce herself? The young man who had that prickly shakyness to his voice? Guy in the blue who kept apologizing for his stutter? WHO ARE these people?
Session two taught up three major areas: Building on memory skills, enhancing relationships and increasing self-confidence. The session involved a variety of impromptu “introducing of self” to others, memorization activities, two minute talks and sharing personal stories and struggles. Not only did we apply 9 of the 30 principles from Dale Carnegies Best Selling book How to Win Friends and Influence People, but we made a commitment for the next week and moving forward, to use one of those principles to enhance our personal relationships with whomever we would like; a friend, family member, spouse or coworker.
I chose my brother. My family is very important to me, and I am very close with my family members in which I have a lot in common. I chose to build upon my relationship with my brother because we do not have a lot in common, and he has a learning disability which can cause him some social anxiety. We were required to think of ways in which we will improve on these relationships by using specifics, so I stated I would improve my relationship with him by spending more quality time with him, asking him questions about himself, school and his friends, etc. By verbalizing this commitment to a group of people, I am surprised to find that I am that much more excited to accomplish it. I was elated by the excitement shown by the group of people that I expressed it to, which helps me in efforts to hold myself accountable. Obligated isn’t quite the right word, but because there are others whom are knowledgable of your commitment, you tend to develop that desire of truly wanting to go through it and live it out, no excuses. You tend to have that feeling of “I want to prove to them that I can do this. I don’t want to let other people down… I made a PROMISE”.
Making commitments in front of others is beneficial because it helps you develop skills that will help you to carry out your commitment. How many times have we made a commitment that we haven’t shared with others and we never got to it? That new years resolution you made to lose those last few pounds? That promotion you were going to ask for? That home you’re trying to save up for? Think about this: Have you ever thought of how different your actions may have been or may have carried out if you verbalized the commitment to a group of people?
Session two taught me a lot of things: Not only how important interpersonal relationships are, but how you can make commitments and work on sticking to them with such easy steps! Not only did this help me tremendously in my way of thinking, but I felt as though I was truly getting to know each student as an individual in this session because of the stories we shared with one another. Stories ranged from bad dreams as a child to horrifying injuries! It helped me connect with my classmates, and assured me that I’m not the only abnormal person on this earth.
Throughout each class, it seems as though my anticipation for the next class just continues to build! It never ends. I am so thrilled for the continuation of my Dale Carnegie journey. I know I will gain so much from this course, and I cannot wait to reap the results.
Next week I will blog about session one that I just recently made up in another class, and session three; putting enthusiasm to work and recognizing achievements.
Stayed tuned!
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