The Power of Human Connections
Maximum Life: Unlocking Your Full Potential in 2025
Human connections are the invisible threads that weave meaning into our everyday lives. Whether it’s the warmth of a family gathering or the spark of a new professional relationship, connections matter. In fact, they shape not only our sense of belonging but also our success, our growth, and our overall well-being.
In this edition, we explore the importance of connection, how to foster it, and what it means to be around those who uplift, challenge, and help you grow.
Why Relationships Matter
Let’s start with the basics: relationships are essential. Whether with family, friends, mentors, colleagues, or casual acquaintances, the ties we build are foundational to emotional health. They provide the companionship and encouragement that keep us going during tough seasons and help us celebrate the good ones with joy.
Beyond providing emotional support, connections unlock opportunities. That coffee with a colleague might spark a new idea. A friendly conversation in a community group might lead to a life-changing partnership. And a mentor’s advice might steer you into the next chapter of your life. Relationships, when nurtured, open space for growth—both personal and professional.
But when connections are lacking? The impact can be profound. Loneliness, isolation, and a sense of drifting often creep in when we’re disconnected from meaningful community. It’s not just about being around people—it’s about being with them, known by them, and valued in return.
That’s why one quote sticks out so clearly:
“Surround yourself with people who make you happy. It's important to surround yourself with people who make you laugh and who are willing to help when you need it. They are individuals who truly care about you. They are the ones worth keeping in your life. Everyone else is just passing through.” ¹
Building Stronger Connections
Profound relationships don’t just happen—they’re built. It requires intentionality, consistency, and a willingness to invest in others without any conditions.
Start with what you already have. The people closest to you—family, old friends, longtime co-workers—these are your roots. Stay in touch. Show up when they need you. Let them know they matter. Strong relationships are strengthened through small, consistent acts of care and connection.
As you nurture those bonds, make room for new ones. Be genuinely curious about others. Ask questions that go beyond surface-level small talk. People feel most connected when they sense they are seen and understood. Authenticity, empathy, and a listening ear go a long way.
Don’t underestimate the power of community. Join spaces where people gather around shared interests—faith groups, book clubs, volunteer circles, online forums, and professional organizations. You might find unexpected friendships blossoming in the spaces where your passions and purpose intersect.
One often overlooked aspect is to be helpful. Investigate how to support others, even when there’s nothing in it for you. A simple word of encouragement, a thoughtful gesture, or offering your skills can deepen trust and connection. The more you give, the more you’ll discover just how interconnected we all are.
Healthy relationships also require vulnerability. It takes courage to let others see your full self—your fears, flaws, and hopes. But that kind of honesty draws people in. Vulnerability becomes a bridge to deeper trust and intimacy.
What happens when someone in your circle achieves success? Celebrate it. Genuinely. Rejoicing in others’ successes reinforces the kind of environment where everyone feels supported, not compared.
Of course, not every connection will be smooth. Conflict happens. Misunderstandings arise. What makes the difference is how we respond. When tension surfaces, deal with it directly and compassionately. Clear, open conversations can turn conflict into stronger understanding—if we approach them with humility and grace.
Networking That Feels Natural
Networking frequently receives a negative reputation. It can feel transactional or self-serving. But at its core, networking is just another form of human connection—it’s building relationships that are mutually beneficial, often with a shared purpose or professional aim.
Occasionally that starts at an industry conference or a social gathering. Other times it begins with a comment on someone’s post or a shared moment in a virtual group. The important thing is showing up with authenticity and curiosity, not an agenda.
What happens once you establish a new connection? Be sure to maintain the connection. Reach out with a simple follow-up message. Thank them for the conversation. Mention something meaningful you took from it. Consider exploring potential avenues for future assistance or collaboration.
If you’re someone who naturally brings people together, lean into that. Introduce folks in your circle who might benefit from knowing each other. Being a connector increases your value and strengthens your reputation as someone who truly cares about others’ growth.
Furthermore, don’t be afraid to seek mentorship. Find someone whose journey inspires you, and ask if they’d be willing to share insights. Mentorship is often the shortcut to wisdom—and most seasoned leaders are honored to pass along what they’ve learned.
Everyday Connection Habits
The most powerful connections are often formed not through grand gestures, but through the everyday ways we show up.
Start by prioritizing people over busyness. Life is full, but relationships can’t be an afterthought. Set aside time. Check in. Make the call. Send the note. Relationships thrive when they’re watered regularly.
Be present. In a distracted world, giving someone your full attention is a rare gift. Listen with your eyes, not just your ears. Put the phone away. Engage deeply. Presence tells people they matter.
Gratitude, too, is a relationship builder. Let the people around you know how much you appreciate them. Whether through words, notes, or acts of kindness, your appreciation fuels stronger bonds.
And please keep in mind encouragement. Speak life into others. Cheer them on. Believe in their potential. Occasionally your words are the fuel someone else needs to keep going.
Finally, engage in activities that naturally foster connection. Whether it’s volunteering, joining a hobby group, or serving in your community, these shared experiences create natural opportunities to grow closer to others.
A Biblical Reminder
Relationships are not only a personal priority—they’re a spiritual one. Scripture reminds us of this truth:
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
—Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, NIV
We were never meant to do life alone. From the beginning, God created us for community—for shared work, shared burdens, and shared joy.
So, this week, ask yourself:
Who do I need to reach out to?
What relationship have I neglected?
Where can I show up more fully?
Connection is the currency of a meaningful life. Invest well.
Excerpted from Maximum Life: Unlocking Your Full Potential Through Inner Growth, Momentum, and Impact by Iann Schonken at Amazon.com.
¹ Karl Marx, “Surround yourself with people who make you happy. People who make you laugh, who help you when you’re in need. People who genuinely care. They are the ones worth keeping in your life. Everyone else is just passing through.” Accessed July 10, 2024. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/surround-yourself-with-people-who-make-you-happy-people-who-make-you-laugh-who-help-you-when-youre-in-need-peop–357121445425180140/.