If you’ve been following my posts regularly you’ll know I usually sign off by saying “Love you.” Now, I don’t really love you because I don’t really know who you are. Although I can assume we’re somewhat like-minded because you wouldn’t be reading my non-sensical madness unless your brain was wired like mine.

Anywho, my family recently lost someone who was close to us. She was 30, and died after a couple year fight with cancer. It hit my wife particularly hard because she worked closely with this gal for years. With both my wife and I inching closer to our mid-30’s it really put things into perspective.

I’m extremely focused on the future, that I sometimes lose sight of what’s happening right now. Empathy is also not one of my strengths, but that’s a story for another day.

What’s the point?

With Valentine’s Day being this Friday, I’ll let you in on something I’ve been doing for the past 13 years. I met my wife in College over 13 years ago. For our first Valentine’s Day I didn’t know what to get her. For whatever reason, the thought jumped into my mind to write her a letter and stuff it in her locker.

I’ve continued this tradition for the past 13 years with the exception of stuffing a letter into a locker. I usually leave it on her pillow or sneak it into her purse or boot (I try and be creative). Anyway, the letter is basically acknowledging what I’ve loved about her from the past 365 days.

It’s a time to reflect on the special bond we share, and gives us a chance to appreciate what we have in the present.

In recent years – I’ve started this practice in my business life. Every year around Valentine’s Day I call a few people (instead of a letter) who have been instrumental in my business and/or personal life, and tell ’em I love them and thank them for how they’ve shaped me.

1. It’s a simple gesture to make others appreciate what they’ve done. After all, don’t we all want some sort of recognition?
2. On a selfish level – it feels good to do it…really good. Hell, Oprah made a career out of giving away free stuff just so she could feel better.

We could do a deep dive into the psychology of giving compliments and/or gratitude, but all you need to do is compliment one person right now, and you’ll instantly feel better. Try it.

You never know

You might like it. The reaper could be coming for you in an hour, a week or 50 years from now, so keep swinging and every now and then take some time to reflect on what you’ve done and who’s helped you get there.

My wife and I’s friend barely had a chance to fulfill her dreams. And we never got the chance to thank her on the impact she made on our lives.

Make a list of those who have impacted your life, business or both. Give them a call, write them a letter, direct message them, whatever…It’ll benefit you, it’ll benefit your business, it’ll benefit your life.

Love you,

Jordan ‘The Guy with the Bow Tie’ Rycroft

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