When was the last time you behaved in a way that you were less then proud of? We’ve all been there haven’t we, snapped at someone, made a decision so that we benefited at the expense of someone else, broke a promise, the list could go on. Let me say I am coming from the assumption that we didn’t do these things out of malice, we did them in a moment of weakness, that our negative emotions were winning. What I’m wondering is how do we make up for these misdemeanours? There’s a wonderful theory by the late Stephen Covey, more of an ideal really, called emotional bank accounts. The notion that our relationships, close or fleeting are like a bank balance. Those relationships we look after, nurture, make time for and commit to are like making regular deposits, paying your bills and keeping cash in your account. Those relationships we neglect, let down and abuse are like those bank accounts overdrawn on the overdraft, taking more cash out than you put in and getting those £15 per letter charges.
Take a moment to think of some relationships you have. If those were your bank accounts are they healthy or are you dreading those letters? Now you’ve done that consider what you need to do now. Those relationships that are healthy, what are you doing that makes them so? Those that are not so, ask yourself the same question. Because sooner or later you may behave in that way again. You know, the one that wasn’t the best you and if your relationship with that person is strong, then there is more chance of understanding, if its overdrawn, there’s more chance of conflict. So always make sure you’re making deposits in those relationships you hold dear. Keep your promises and commitments, know what motivates them and do it, chose the best moment for you to make them feel great and keep doing the little things. The best wealth is made up of things you do, not those things you have.