How did you do last week with creating additional capacity by examining your Self environment? I treated myself to a spontaneous weekend getaway. Outside of the city in a quiet village with some gorgeous hiking trails through the forest. Got some fresh air, exercise and plenty of sleep. Just what I needed. And I resolve to do more of that – not wait until I’m all stressed out.

The first three weeks of the Challenge were focused on environments that are fairly under our control. We can take charge of our Digital, Physical and Self environments. This week brings in other people. Do other people affect your capacity?! Of course they do! And we’re not just looking at any people – we’re looking this week at our closest relationships: family and friends.

I invite you to make a list of your 5-7 closest family members and friends. How do you feel when you’re around them? Energized? Inspired? Tense? Drained? These are people that you may spend a lot of time with on a daily basis. They will have a huge influence on your ability to create a winning environment. And they’ll be the ones to greatly benefit from your winning environment.

To get started, select one person from this group of five to seven and ask yourself these questions. Be truthful with yourself.

1. Is there something in our relationship that is too much? Maybe it’s silence, disagreement, compromise. What is one thing you could do this week to address this situation?
2. Is there something in our relationship that is broken? Promises, trust, routine? What is one action you could take this week to start repairing this area?
3.  Is there something in our relationship that is missing? Time together, conversation, fun? What is one step you could take this week to fill the hole?

We humans are built for relationship – without a supportive Relationship environment, life is tougher than it needs to be. Here’s to your winning, more harmonious Relationship environment!