This month at Launch, we invited thousands of attendees to write down a new goal for 2024 and share it with others. We write down and share goals at many Melaleuca events because we know how critical goals are in setting ourselves up for success. Have you noticed that sometimes reaching goals doesn’t require massive changes? In fact, it’s often the minimal changes that have the most significant impact on your life and the lives of others. What small changes are you making during this new year? For me, a small change I’m making this year is to connect more with the people around me. Why? I’m convinced that becoming great at connecting with others will help me feel more fulfilled and reach my goals faster. Whatever your goals for 2024 are, consider adding this small change to the list to help you reach your goals and have more fun doing it: become great at connecting with others.
We’re more wired, yet more lonely.
We are alive during a fantastic time. It’s easier than ever to stay connected with hundreds or even thousands of people— something previous generations simply couldn’t do. At a glance, we know everything that’s happening with our family and friends in real time—yet nearly half of all Americans today say they are lonely. 1 We are driven by likes and follows. Our inherent tendency to compare ourselves to others can lead us to think that others have the perfect life in every way. More and more research is clearly showing a negative relationship between social media usage and overall wellness and happiness. In one study of
Here are four things you can practice on your own journey toward becoming great at connecting with others. When you do, watch how things change for the better.
Make eye contact.
“ I like you; your eyes are full of language. —Anne Sexton
Americans ages 19 to 32, the top 25% of social media users were two times more likely to report feeling lonely than the people using it least. Why?
During your next few conversations with others, do a self-assessment on how often you make
eye contact. If you’re like most people, you’ll discover your eyes—and your attention—are
focused on something else. You might be looking at your email or text messages. You might be distracted by the activity going on around you. You might even be uncomfortable looking into someone’s eyes because it can be an intimate experience. However, as you practice making eye contact, you will begin to find it a natural, refreshing experience. Anne Sexton wrote, “I like you; your eyes are full of language.” Many of us confuse being in proximity with being present. Use eye contact as a way to stay mentally engaged with the person ”
Here’s what I believe. As humans, we are hardwired to connect with others and to form a community. We are hungry for authentic relationships, being known and understood, and the feeling of being part of something
bigger. However, many of us have allowed technology to replace the joy of connecting with others in personal and profound ways. I’m afraid we’re losing the art of human connection. How
can we reverse the trend? By renewing our focus on establishing connections outside what we find on our phones and computers.
JANUARY 2024 | MELALEUCA.COM/LIA 9
1. The Week Staff, “An Epidemic of Loneliness,” The Week , January 6, 2019.
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