The Power of Connection
- Kelly McCooeye
- Nov 25, 2024
- 3 min read
Have you ever tried to put together an IKEA bookshelf without the instructions? You might eventually get those shelves upright, but let’s be honest—at least one piece will be upside down, and it’s probably missing a screw or two. Connection in life is a lot like those instructions: without it, we’re fumbling our way through, wondering why things aren’t quite lining up.
In both business and life, connection is the glue that holds everything together. It’s not just about building relationships with others; it’s about reconnecting with yourself. And when that connection is missing, well, it’s like trying to use Wi-Fi with one bar. Frustrating, ineffective, and ripe for a reboot.
Why Connection Matters
Let’s get real: building a business (and a life) you love requires more than strategy and hustle. It takes emotional clarity—the kind that only comes when you feel connected to yourself and your purpose.
When we’re connected, things flow. Decisions come easier. Creativity sparks. And perhaps most importantly, we don’t feel like we’re carrying the weight of the world alone. In business, connection fuels resilience and fosters authentic relationships, both of which are essential for growth.
Signs You’re Feeling Disconnected
So, how do you know when your connection is on the fritz? Here are a few signs you might recognize:
Self-doubt moves in like an uninvited guest. Suddenly, even picking an Instagram caption feels like rocket science.
Procrastination takes over. Your to-do list is now just a decorative piece of paper gathering dust.
Burnout becomes your new normal. You’re tired, uninspired, and wondering why you even started this in the first place.
You feel stuck. Like a hamster on a wheel, running in circles but never actually getting anywhere.
Imposter syndrome whispers, “This isn’t you.” You’re showing up in ways that don’t feel authentic, and your gut knows it.
Sound familiar? If so, I’ve got good news. You don’t need another planner, productivity app, or color-coded system. You need a reset—a chance to reconnect.
How do you do that? - Reconnect with Yourself?
Think of this step as rebooting your internal Wi-Fi. Here are a few ways to get those bars back up:
Journaling: Write it out. Even if it’s just a brain dump of everything that’s swirling in your head, putting pen to paper can help you sort through the noise.
Mindfulness: Take five minutes to breathe, sit still, and notice what comes up. It’s amazing how much clarity you can find in silence.
Movement: Go for a walk, stretch, or dance in your kitchen to ‘80s hits (highly recommended). Moving your body can help shake loose stuck emotions.
Create Space to Feel: Here’s the thing: sometimes disconnection is your body’s way of saying, “Hey, we’ve got some feelings to deal with here.” Give yourself permission to feel them without judgment.
But even faster than those things, let's do a little exercise together right now:
· Pause: Just take a breath and feel yourself in your body.
· Ask Yourself: What do I need right now? (PS. The answer is not to STOP feeling a feeling. Stopping the feeling is just another way to say avoid, distract, react. Processing emotions in a healthy way is always about feeling the feeling, not stopping it.)
· Choose: Practice saying 'yes' to what feels right and 'no' to what doesn't.
Building Authentic Connections with Others
Once you’re feeling more connected to yourself, it’s time to extend that to the world around you. In business, this means creating relationships that are more than surface-level. It’s about showing up real.
Here’s how you can create those authentic connections:
Be vulnerable. Share your story—the real one. Not the polished “highlight reel,” but the parts where things got messy and you learned something.
Listen. Like, really listen. Sometimes the best way to connect isn’t by saying something brilliant; it’s by being there for someone else.
Build safe spaces. Whether it’s for clients, colleagues, or a community, aim to create an environment where people feel seen and supported.
When you foster these kinds of connections, your relationships won’t just feel better—they’ll work better, too. Because at the end of the day, people don’t just want someone who gets the job done. They want someone who gets them.
Connection Is a Journey
So here’s a question: What’s one way you can reconnect with yourself today? Maybe it’s journaling, reaching out to a friend, or just taking a moment to breathe.
And if you’re feeling stuck, know this: It’s okay to ask for help. Sometimes the best way to find your way forward is with a little guidance.
If that feels true for you, I’d love to help you explore what’s holding you back and what’s next for you.
Take your time. Connection isn’t about racing to a finish line. It’s about finding your way back to what matters most—you.





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