How to create meaningful connections

We are all wired to connect with each other, and we are constantly trying to create connections, both in our professional and personal lives. Connecting in a meaningful way leads to a long, happy and healthy life and developing to our full potential.

Some scientists place the need to connect right up there with thirst and hunger in our lives' essential needs.

In episode four of our Lessons Learned series, I shared my own experience with meaningful connections and their impact on my life.

To help you create meaningful connections in your life, we rounded up some tips on how to go about it.

Don't be afraid. Not everyone can easily interact with people. Maybe you are shy, or you don't like to open up to anyone, let alone to new people, but you must reign in that fear as the benefits of opening up massively outweigh the risks.

Know and love yourself. If you don't genuinely love and know yourself, then your chances of connecting meaningfully with others are very slim. You might think you are flawed, but if you take the time to get to know yourself, you will discover that you have so many amazing things to show and give to others. Why wouldn't they want to know and love you?

Be vulnerable and honest. Showing vulnerability makes people relate to you and will enable them to open up to you. In a world where we wear too many masks, especially on social media, it is more valuable than ever to show yourself as you are.

Reach out. Fear of rejection keeps us from initiating any connection. Maybe the other person has the same fear of rejection, and if you don't take action, you will both miss the opportunity to get to know each other.

Act with the goal of helping the other person in mind. At the core of meaningful relationships is giving. Both parties give and receive, but the main focus should be on how you can help first rather than receiving first.

Listen actively. If you cannot listen properly to what the other person is saying and show empathy, it will never be a meaningful connection. We need to feel that we are listened to, heard and seen to open up.

Don't judge. Judgement has no place in a meaningful relationship. You don't have to agree with everything that the other person says or does. You can offer your advice or affirm your point of view, but you can never judge.

Take time to meet. Email, text, social media channels, and phone conversations help maintain a connection, but gifting someone your time to meet in person will cement that connection.

Take stock of how authentic or valuable some connections are. Throughout your life, you will meet and spend time with a lot of people, but crucial to your happiness is to ensure that you spend the bulk of your time with people that love you and help you become the best version of yourself and you in turn, do the same for them.

What do you think? Are you ready to start creating meaningful connections and reap the benefits while helping others?

Please share your thoughts, your story and other tips that you know.

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