Hi Momentum Makers,
Are you alone right now—or does it just feel that way?
While it’s true that we are more connected than ever with round-the-clock technology at our fingertips, disconnection and loneliness are at an all-time high. In fact, a recent report from the Surgeon General revealed that 25% of Americans are lonely. (Report link in the comments)
That’s one in four. And that’s way too many.
The report goes on to say that loneliness and lack of real human connection have some serious health consequences, drastically increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, and premature death.
This goes to show that connection isn’t just the heartbeat of leadership and resilience. Connection is the heartbeat of life.
I hear about the lack of connection and loneliness from leaders like you every day. In this world of “so muchness,” where busyness is thrown around like confetti, we may not be physically alone, but we are lonely. Busyness often gets in the way of making the time for true, meaningful connections, only making it worse.
In the above report, Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy outlines several ways to fight the “loneliness epidemic” from a public health standpoint.
Today, I’m going to give you a tool that will help you fight it personally and professionally to maintain healthy connections with the people in your life. It’s something I’ve been doing consistently for years now. It’s also something I’ve been teaching my audiences to do on the spot during my keynotes.
I call it “Text Roulette.” Here’s how to play.
1. Open your phone and go to your contacts.
2. Give your list a healthy scroll, and stop on a random name.
3. Send that person a text or give them a call.
4. Repeat two more times.
I play this game every single day, and I love it because everybody wins. Sometimes, I tell them how much I appreciate them. Sometimes, I just see how they are doing. Sometimes, I end up ordering a box or two of Thin Mints (I have a surprising number of Girl Scout families in my contacts).
Text roulette has been a great way to check in, reconnect, and catch up with my people in life and business and remind them—and myself—of the power of human connection (and using technology for good!).
You would be surprised at what this little exercise can do for you and the people in your phone and in your life. We all want to feel valued, seen, heard, appreciated and loved.
We all want to feel like we matter and we are not alone. This resilience-boosting exercise is a great way to do that for others (and give a bit of it to yourself in the process).
You know what they say—if you want to surround yourself with good friends, start being one.
Happy connecting!
Kim
P.S.
You’re on my list today! Just letting you know you are loved and supported. I’m so grateful you’re a part of my community here on LinkedIn! Feel free to tag someone you are grateful for in the comments!
