Relationship G.R.I.T – an Interview with Jon and Kathryn Gordon
Great relationships don’t just happen by accident – they take commitment, hard work and grit. Brian recently interviewed Jon and Kathryn Gordon about their new book, “Relationship GRIT,” and what it takes to build a strong, long-lasting relationship. The Gordons revealed what brought them together, what kept them together through difficult times and what continues to sustain their love for one another. Here are some of the top takeaways:
G.R.I.T. is key to a healthy relationship
- G is for God
A cord of three strands is not easily broken. Put God at the center of your relationship and everything will improve.
- R is for Resolve
It can be easy to give up when the going gets tough. Resolve to work together to make things better, instead.
- I is for Invest
You must invest time, energy and goodwill in your relationship. Serve and put the other person first. Don’t be a consumer, be an investor!
- T is for Together
It takes two to make it work. Sometimes, one can give more than the other, but you really do both have to want it.
The Four C’s
- Communicate
When fear and uncertainty set in, people can pull away from each other and go in different directions. This is why communication is so important. Enhance communication by exploring your feelings, issues, challenges and fears together. Where there’s a void in communication, negativity will fill it.
- Connect
As well as making the effort to communicate, you have to take the time to really connect. A great way to do this is to take a walk together – walk it out to talk it out! Having this dedicated one-on-one time to talk and work things through together is critical.
- Commit
Instead of going into self-preservation mode when issues arise, think about how you can serve and help your partner. Commit to each other. Remember, we’re at our best when we focus on we, not me.
- Care
Caring is extending yourself, demonstrating commitment and showing your partner that they matter. Whether it’s complimenting them or being their champion, showing that you care is what binds you together and makes a strong relationship.
When you have relationship G.R.I.T., you don’t give up when things are hard. You work together, you invest in the relationship and you become stronger together. To learn more, listen to the latest episode of “It’s a Good Life”.
