In today's fast-paced and highly competitive corporate world, many corporate leaders and sales professionals find themselves constantly on the go, juggling multiple responsibilities, and facing immense pressure to perform. While this lifestyle may seem glamorous from the outside, it can take a significant toll on their personal lives, particularly our relationships with our spouses/significant others and children.

If you're feeling disconnected and not fully satisfied with your family relationships, we want you to know that you're not alone! Many people in your shoes are finding it tough to balance work and family life.

But don't worry, there are things you can do to strengthen your strained relationships and reignite the spark. Here are a few tips:

1. Show gratitude: Don't take your family for granted! Show them some love and appreciation. Thank them for their support, and let them know how much they mean to you.
   
2. Make time for fun: Work may be important, but so is having a good time with your family. Make an effort to have some quality time with your loved ones. Plan a family outing or a movie night, or even a weekend trip away. It's all about making memories and having fun together. Most importantly -- BE PRESENT! Put your phones, computers, and tablets away. It's about truly connecting with each other.
   
3. Keep in touch: Communication is key! Make sure to stay in touch with your loved ones even if you're busy hustling at work. Schedule regular calls or video chats and give them your full attention. Show that you care by asking how their day went and LISTEN ACTIVELY.
   
4. Take care of yourself: You can't pour from an empty cup. So, make sure to take some time for yourself to recharge your batteries. Exercise, meditate, or pursue a hobby that brings you joy. When you're feeling good about yourself, you'll be a better partner and parent.

Backed by research, these tips and can help you strengthen your relationships with your loved ones. By prioritizing communication, having some fun, showing gratitude, and taking care of yourself, you can repair strained relationships and prevent them from happening, even if you're a busy bee at work.

Happiness in Personal Relationships = Enhanced Job Performance & Satisfaction

Not only does prioritizing personal relationships have a positive impact on our overall happiness and well-being, but it can also improve our work performance!

Studies have shown that individuals who have strong and positive relationships with their partners and children experience fewer negative outcomes at work, such as burnout and absenteeism. This means that investing in our personal relationships can have a positive spillover effect on our job satisfaction.

In fact, research suggests that employees who have a strong support system at home are more likely to feel satisfied with their job and committed to their employer. So, by making time for loved ones and prioritizing our relationships, we not only improve our own happiness but also enhance our job performance and career prospects.

Remember, taking care of our personal relationships is just as important (and many, myself included, would say more important) as taking care of our work responsibilities. By striking a balance between the two, we can achieve greater fulfillment and success in all areas of our lives!

• Lambert, N. M., Clark, M. S., Durtschi, J., Fincham, F. D., & Graham, S. M. (2010). Benefits of expressing gratitude: Expressing gratitude to a partner changes one’s view of the relationship. Psychological Science, 21(4), 574–580. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-mentally-strong-people-dont-do/201504/7-scientifically-proven-benefits-gratitude
• Lavner, J. A., Clark, M. A., & Karney, B. R. (2012). Work and family demands: A longitudinal examination of the relationship between work and family conflict and relationship satisfaction. Journal of Family Psychology, 26(3), 416–425. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2012-18631-002
• Grzywacz, J. G., & Bass, B. L. (2014). Work, family, and mental health: Testing different models of work-family fit. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 19(3), 321–333. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2014-23556-002
• Hustedt, J. T., Mills-Koonce, W. R., & Rehder, P. D. (2018). Family leisure and family functioning: Moderation through family communication and time together. Journal of Family Issues, 39(13), 3456–3477. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0192513X17707702