Issue 10.13
When two people working together are able to accomplish more than the sum of each person working alone, it’s called SYNERGY. It’s one of the reasons we form friendships, alliances, partnerships and marriages. Finding someone with similar goals who is supportive and increases our productivity is important whatever the challenge: raising a family, starting a business or accomplishing any objective. We naturally think of life as a competition or WIN/LOSE situation, but synergy reminds us it’s not a race, but a journey where we can all WIN/WIN. (Steven R. Covey concept.)
Developing SYNERGY is not easy. It takes openness and a creative attitude that not everyone has in our competitive world. A family could be a great example of this process, but that doesn’t always happen. It’s an ideal to strive towards in marriage or any relationship. My best friend and I have this at times when we support one another in our projects and communicate on the same wavelength to find solutions. It’s awesome the ideas and insights we develop. Guess that’s why we are such good friends.
What stops you from developing synergetic relationships? Natural competition, envy, jealousy, lack of self-esteem, etc. can sidetrack you. Perhaps an attitude change (or paradigm shift) is all that is needed to see others in your life as PARTNERS not OPPONENTS. Each person brings his/her own strengths and weaknesses into a relationship. Too often you find yourself competing for status or recognition at home, work, church or in the community instead of working as a TEAM.
After spending most of my life as a working parent, being retired brings new CHALLENGES as I find myself facing the job of planning, cooking and serving three meals every day for our empty nest family. My husband, since he’s retired too, has volunteered to cleanup after my cooking chores are done. This is a good example of SYNERGY. Because there are two of us involved, mealtimes aren’t as much of a chore with his help. Sometimes, it even leads to offers of taking me out to dinner because he doesn’t want to do the dishes…lol!
Is there some area of your life where you could be more synergetic? Try writing in your journal those areas that seem to be personal roadblocks. For me, it’s weight loss and exercise. Perhaps finding a friend with the same goals and linking up as partners could be the solution. NEXT TIME: No Regrets. Write Your Life Story workshop by Lin Floyd at AHA! Artful Healing Academy 71 N 100 W in St. George on Fri. March 8 6-8 pm and Sat. March 9 from 10 am-3 pm. Cost $50 which includes lunch on Sat. Call 628-8522 or email lin@sunrivertoday.com for info.