Relationships are so important in our organizations. Strong relationships lead to better results. You can study the data to reach this conclusion or simply trust what you already know. We all know, and have experienced, the fact that it comes down to people. The better you work with others the greater your chance of success. Selfishness might work short term, but it’s always a losing strategy in the long term.

A continued focus for me in 2019 is relationships. The limited time we all have is a great motivator. I don’t want to have regrets later in life that I didn’t make the time for others while I still could.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the things that don’t really matter. Easy to get tricked, making big problems out of small things. We all do it. Are you aware of how much energy and effort you put into things that won’t matter in a month, a year, let alone a decade from now? A question worth thinking about.

When it comes to relationships if you are holding grudges, my sincere wish is that you find the strength to let them go. I wish you the inner strength to forgive. I wish you, and me, the perspective to see things more clearly. I wish us both the courage to act now, while we still can, so that we don’t experience deep regret later.

Focus more on what you’re giving and less on what you’re getting (or not getting) from others. Make the time for the people in your life. Make the time for your colleagues. Make the time for your team. Listen to them. Be there for them. Do your best to be at your best in these moments. Be a positive influence. Be upbeat. Be optimistic. Be patient. Be authentic.

Don’t regret not making the time for others while you still can. Don’t regret not mending a fence while you still can. Don’t regret not having made something happen while you still can.