A Happy You Equals A Successful You

Around February every year, our thought turn to celebrating Romance, despite the fact that it’s pretty cold outside. To some, this can mean yet one more month of frigid winter; others will watch closely for signs of an early spring, while the rest of us turn to thoughts of romance. Also at this time, as if we need help in this area, we are reminded each time we open a magazine or drive by a billboard smothered with brilliantly colored flowers and red hearts.

But the concept of romance transcends season, so, before you get carried away with the commercialism of romance, let’s look at the practical side right now, regardless of the time of year. Romance is fun. It makes you feel good. It makes those whom you care about feel good. It allows your creativity and thoughtfulness to shine. Yes, romance takes thought and in many cases preparation but the rewards are well worth your effort. Everyone wins.

Why would I have a ‘success thought’ geared to corporate and business professionals focused on romance? Because whether you have time for it or not, think it’s silly or not, romance is a large part of your world. Ignoring it solves nothing. The happier you are in your personal life, the more successful you’ll be professionally. This is a fact.

One book recently caught my eye in this area. A Practical Handbook for the Boyfriend was co-written by actress Felicity Huffman who has been married to William H. Macy for nine years. While I’ve never watched Desperate Housewives, this book seems to focus on the more no-nonsense side of Huffman. And, maintaining a long term marriage when both participants are celebrities takes focus and attention to detail. As pointed out in the current People Magazine, this book discusses details that many men (and women) overlook as time marches on in the relationship such as:

Stay a boyfriend—keep things intriguing, put thought into what you do together just like when you were dating, still be excited about what she wears and says.

Little things count—think, just think. Before eating the entire box of Junior Mints, offer some to her. Before taking your dishes to the sink. ask to take hers.

Girls love PDA’s—in fact they are often hungry for public displays of affection. Some men think that they lose their image of masculinity with PDA’s. Not so.

Your call is important—you score major points by calling two or three times a day for no other reason than to let her know that you’re thinking of her. Romance can take place in other ways than between a man and woman. You can feel romantic when planning a dinner party, decorating a room, writing a letter to a friend, stopping to pick up a bouquet of flowers on the way to work to brighten the office.

My hope for you is that, right now, you will set aside the commercial concepts of romance and those red hearts to open your own heart and allow the warmth of romance to flow into your thoughts and actions often. Make it easy, simple and sincere. You may be surprised by the astounding results you create for yourself as well as those around you. Have a great week and enjoy your discoveries.