This week, I’ve been thinking about something that’s at the heart of everything we do: relationships. Not the fleeting, transactional kind, but the long-term ones—the ones that grow, evolve, and carry us through life’s twists and turns. Building and nurturing those connections, and keeping people in the loop as we journey through life, isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential.

Life moves fast. Between chasing dreams (like my full-time leap into entrepreneurship with this blog and my work with five strategic companies) and navigating the everyday—family moments, new certifications like StoryBrand, or even wrestling with big questions like how much to share in my brand—it’s easy to let relationships slip. But here’s what I’ve learned: the people we keep close, the ones we update and stay real with, are the ones who anchor us and open doors we didn’t even know existed.

Think about it. That friend you check in with regularly might be the one who connects you to a game-changing opportunity. That client you keep updated might become a lifelong partner. Even family, like my daughter whose dance recital reminded me to stay present, thrives when we share the journey. Long-term relationships aren’t just about warm fuzzies—they’re a foundation for growth, support, and impact. And the key to keeping them strong? Consistency. A quick note, a coffee catch-up, or even this newsletter—it’s about showing up and saying, “Hey, here’s where I’m at, and I value you.”

I’ve seen this play out in my own life. A mentor I stayed in touch with over years became a key supporter when I launched my blog. A client I kept updated, even during quiet months, referred me to one of the five companies I’m now creating content for. These aren’t accidents—they’re the result of small, intentional efforts to stay connected. It’s like tending a garden: regular care keeps it thriving, and you never know when it’ll bloom in ways you didn’t expect.

This ties into my brand, too. After last week’s question about whether I share too much personal stuff, I realized this newsletter is my way of keeping you in the loop—not just as subscribers, but as part of my journey. It’s my commitment to a long-term relationship with you, whether you’re here for the free insights, exploring coaching, or dreaming big with something like my employee empowerment initiative.

Here’s my challenge for you this week: reach out to one person you haven’t connected with in a while. Send a quick message, share an update about your life, or ask about theirs. It could be a friend, a colleague, or even someone in your family. Then, think about how you can keep them in the loop going forward—a monthly coffee, a note, or a call. If you’re up for it, reply and let me know who you reached out to and why they matter to you—I’d love to hear!

Long-term relationships are the threads that weave our lives together. Keep nurturing them, keep sharing the journey, and watch how they shape your future.

With Gratitude,

Justin

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PS - I have a weekly update that I will include on my dreams below, this is something I have been doing personally for more than 2 years now, and it is my guiding light for how I make decisions and decide what I want to be doing and chasing.

If you ever want to became part of what I am creating, you can sign up at www.justindcstephens.com for the Employee Empowerment Initiative.

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Justin Stephens

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