3 Challenges in the Relationship Olympics!

 Watching the Olympics’ is always uplifting – you see such dedication and persistence — Such commitment to a particular goal.  And teamwork that is unparalleled.  Sounds perfect for the Relationship Olympics…Take the Challenge!

Do these challenges sound familiar to you?

Challenge: Team members don’t build on each others’ strengths

Cost to your team… Lost opportunities for creative collaboration

 Challenge:  Individuals talk “at” each other without really connecting

Cost to your team… Frustration, stagnation, lost chance to improve

Challenge:   Multiple agendas compete

Cost to your team… Lack of synergy, focus, and progress

 Take those team challenges and create your own Relationship Olympics! And remind each other, before you start, that success will take persistence and teamwork and commitment to your goal.

Challenge 1: Spouses that don’t build on each others’ strengths….And the cost to the two of you? You guessed it – that creative collaboration could be a key component to a successful relationship!  Challenge your spouse to list off their greatest strength and what they see as your greatest strength. Then share your “strength” views of them and yourself.  This might be eye opening – and it might also give you a different way to look at the “building blocks” of your relationship.

 Or this could lead you to

 Challenge #2:  Couples talking “at” each other without really connecting…not hard to imagine the frustration, stagnation, and lost chances.

Both of you know the other one is not listening. Depending on the degree to which you can talk about it later, it might lead to a counseling session, or a decision to try a conversation with the ground rules.  Try the “you get 2 minutes” uninterrupted time to talk.  The response is based on “effective listening” rules – starting with – “what I think I hear you saying is…”  This can seem hard, but forcing a structure around a difficult conversation using effective listening can actually open you up to receive what you are saying to each other, instead of planning what you want to say next.

 Challenge 3:  You would think Olympic teams would have one goal, and not be plagued by multiple agendas.  But you might also say that about a couple.  And we know how multiple agendas pop up, at least in the day to day experience of life!  But just as it warns above – the cost from that lack of synergy and focus can really deplete your relationship. What do you do to rise above this challenge?

Well, the old “don’t go to bed angry isn’t a bad start! Any argument of separate agendas could be a good test.  You might need to step away and come back later, but together, write down what progress you would like to make on this issue.  Finding even a common goal of wanting to move forward to resolve it can shift the conversation.  Then you might need a refresher from Challenge 2 above!

At some point, all of us face one of these challenges. Instead of feeling frustration or anger, try thinking of it as a chance at the Relationship Olympics – something you can team up for, and using a few tools, you can both find Gold! 

 Build your Relationship to its Olympic Heights!!

Top 5 Events You Shouldn’t Miss!

1 ~ Spontaneity Skiing  With just a little “thinking cap” effort, you could find yourself with a medal! Surprise your spouse with an unusual outing. 

 It doesn’t really have to be skiing; perhaps you just haven’t gone bowling in years.  Or stretch a little and rent some snowshoes at your county park.  Or suprise him/her with some live theatre tickets. Visit http://www.hennepintheatretrust.org/

 2 ~ Bobsledding for Compliments

Go ahead! Just jump on and go for compliments on ice!  How quickly can you tell your significant other all their best qualities?  They won’t even mind a few sharp turns as you warm up and gain momentum, including things they’ve done that made you proud, or what simply makes them special to you!

 3 ~ Cross-Country Communication

 Communication really is a cross-country event. You need stamina, a strong heart, and lots of practice.  Winning at communication with your significant other means daily practice, not just when you might want something!

It is the art of asking questions, as well as the art of listening.  Some couples do well setting aside a private time, just for them. Whether it is morning coffee before breaking out the newspaper, or a glass of wine over dinner, you just need to make a pact that you will continuously practice, and make time for each other.  An evening walk around the block together is good for the heart, and c-c communication!

4 ~ Inspirational Ice Hockey

 Need a little inspiration to make sure you don’t skate past opportunities in your relationship?  If you’ve had that passing thought, “I should have done that” or “I could do that” but you didn’t go for the next step, then take some inspiration from Out of the Box Dates! These ultimate adventures could be your own personal Olympics! Score a 10 with an amazing date…just check out the Shop link next to this blog! Don’t take our word for it – read the Testimonials!  http://www.outoftheboxdates.com/testimonials.php

 5 ~Figure Skating Fun

 What Olympic experience would be complete without figure skating? Swirling couples in perfect unison, they create the picture of Ideal Romance!

Not an idealist? No problem! Most relationships are strengthened through sheer fun!  Ask your spouse what their idea of a fun outing is. You might be surprised! And it might be easier to create some fun than you think! Challenge him/her to a cook-off! Give him/her a punch card with 5 chances to do what they think is most fun as a couple.  You’d be surprised what a $15 nerf gun battle can do to make you think of nothing but each other! Live it up! You both deserve some fun!

Don’t be a bystander, join the Olympics! Create your own events! And go for the GOLD!