Excellence University Journal

Interpersonal Expertise Tip: Utilizing Relationships to Increase Access to Our Potential (and Helping Others Do the Same)

by Dr. Brian Higley

One of the most popular lines in movie history is the famous “you complete me” line that Tom Cruise said to Renee Zellweger near the end of the movie “Jerry Maguire.”  This is a truly memorable movie line, but it can perpetuate one of the major myths to relationship satisfaction: the idea that significant others (business partners, friends, romantic partners) “complete” us.  It sounds nice at first, but what happens when that other person is not in our life (either temporarily or permanently)?  We are left as an incomplete person!  This Interpersonal Expertise Tip focuses on how to create relationships that help us to access more of our potential – rather than cultivate feelings of dependency – while also encouraging growth in significant others in our lives as well.

Allowing  our relationships to promote personal growth rather than dependency can be facilitated by a realization that such relationships can help us become more of who we already are (and provide the same opportunity to others).  Here are some ways people have been able to utilize their relationships to access more of their own potential and help others do so at the same time: Read the rest of this article »

Interpersonal Expertise Tip: Engaging in Shared Interests

by Dr. Brian Higley

Being able to find common interests is often a big key to successful and satisfying relationships.  It seems simple enough, but often times we get lost in all of the things that make us different – and can easily lose sight of interests that can bind us together.  This Interpersonal Expertise Tip focuses on learning how to identify common interests within our important personal and professional relationships, and how to put those common interests to work to strengthen our bonds with others.

Engaging in shared interests begins with the identification of what all parties genuinely enjoy doing and is strengthened by the commitment to participate in some of these interests together from time to time.  Here are some ways people have been able to strengthen their relationships through their common interests: Read the rest of this article »

Interpersonal Expertise Tip: Collective Rejuvenating Via Genuine Relaxation and Fun

by Dr. Brian Higley

We live in a society that often encourages an “all work and no play” mentality, which often leaves both our personal and professional relationships neglected and stagnant.  So often, our relationships begin with a focus on enhancing each others’ enjoyment of  life and/or work only to “devolve” into ruts and routines.  This Interpersonal Expertise Tip focuses on how to set aside enough time and energy to energize our relationships – and rediscover the excitement and energy that brought us together in the first place.

Collective rejuvenation can be facilitated by committing to providing all parties with opportunities to experience genuine (not forced or faked) relaxation and fun.  We are not talking about get-togethers that only some people truly enjoy; everyone knows that some people only pretend to have fun at certain office parties or family reunions while others are genuinely enjoying themselves out of fear of punishment or rejection.  We are talking about experiences that allow everyone the chance to truly unwind and/or experience genuine “belly laugh” fun.  Here are some ways people have been able to promote collective rejuvenation: Read the rest of this article »

Self-Mastery Tip: Enhance Your Awareness/Attention/”Mindfulness”

by Dr. Brian Higley

Being more aware of what is happening within oneself, others and the surrounding environment can have a great impact on Self-Mastery.  The more you know about what influences you and how it does so, the more influence you will gain over your own thoughts, feelings and behaviors.  Blocks to personal and professional growth are much easier to overcome when we experience more awareness of ourselves, others and the environments in which we live and work.

There are many ways in which to enhance awareness, including the following: Read the rest of this article »

Self-Mastery Tip: Cultivate Your Peace of Mind

by Dr. Brian Higley

There are many conflicts that most of us encounter in our daily lives; some are unavoidable, others are quickly resolved when we are in more clear states of mind.  Many have reported that when in calm states of mind, conflicts that used to seem very large or important fade away, leaving people with much more energy and focus for important personal and professional goals.  There are many methods of cultivating more peaceful states of mind, even in the midst of challenging situations and times.  Here are a few ideas that have helped many people do so: Read the rest of this article »