A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of hosting a book launch party for my friend, Arianna Huffington. Her book, Thrive, makes a compelling case for living a more balanced life.
Interpersonal relationships have always been the foundation of my success and happiness. When I’m in a meeting, I give the people I’m with my full attention (and expect the same in return). While technology has allowed our society to become more productive and connected in many positive ways, I still intentionally carry a flip phone and work on a desktop computer. When it’s time to work, I go back to my computer to focus. And when I’m meeting with people, I’m fully present and free of distractions from anything else that is going on at the moment.
I also strongly believe in spending quality time with family and friends, regardless of my work obligations. We get so fixated on doing whatever it takes to get ahead that it’s easy to lose perspective. But professional opportunities will always come and go, and you can never get back the time you miss with the people who matter most in your life.
I applaud Arianna for launching such a meaningful dialogue around the true meaning of success. I realize that technology has allowed her, more than almost anyone else, to have this important conversation on a large scale. But her perspective on the kind of ‘connection’ that truly matters is what makes her successful.