In the latest episode of Sunny’s Silver Linings podcast, Sunny Kaila, CEO of IT By Design, had a profound conversation with Ann Sheu, Founder and CEO of Mpowered Families. They delved into the significance of intentional relationships and how they are pivotal to living life by design, not by default. Here are the key takeaways from their enlightening discussion.
The Genesis of Mpowered Families
Ann Sheu’s journey to founding Mpowered Families was driven by personal challenges and the need for change. Faced with long work hours, the loss of her father, and the disintegration of her in-laws’ marriage, Ann and her husband realized they were on a similar path of struggle. Without marriage mentors, they turned to their expertise in building great teams and relationships within organizations, applying these principles to their family life. The transformation they experienced led to the organic creation of Mpowered Families, with a mission to help business leaders apply the same intentionality to their family lives as they do to their professional lives.
The Importance of ‘Me Work’
One of the most common issues in relationships, according to Ann, is the lack of ‘me work’. This involves getting clear on personal values, desires, and goals. Many people neglect this work due to busyness or the fear of being perceived as selfish. However, Ann argued that without self-awareness and self-care, individuals cannot show up as their best selves in relationships. By dedicating time to ‘me work’, people can better advocate for their needs and avoid falling into the trap of martyrdom.
Strategies for Overcoming Relationship Challenges
Ann emphasized the need for intentionality in relationships, both personal and professional. Here are some strategies she recommended:
- Regular self-reflection: Carve out time every quarter to zoom out and reflect on your life. This helps in staying aligned with your values and goals.
- Defining a decade dream: Ann suggested creating a decade dream, a long-term goal that serves as a North Star for decision-making. For example, her personal decade dream is to help a million people define their decade dreams, while her family’s dream is to take 2000 free days together by 2029.
- Saying No to non-essentials: Use your decade dream as a filter to say no to activities that do not align with your long-term goals. This reduces chaos and fosters a more intentional life.
Applying These Principles at Work
The concepts discussed are not limited to personal relationships but also to professional settings. Leaders can benefit from understanding their team members’ decade dreams and supporting them in achieving these goals. This approach fosters a culture of mutual growth and alignment, leading to a healthier work environment.
Tools and Resources
Ann’s Mpowered Families provides tools like the Decade Dream to help individuals and families create and stick to their long-term visions. These tools encourage people to be clear about their values and regularly review their progress.
Conclusion
The conversation between Sunny Kaila and Ann Sheu highlighted the importance of living life with intention and purpose. By focusing on self-awareness, setting clear long-term goals, and being intentional in both personal and professional relationships, individuals can lead more fulfilling and balanced lives.
