Elevating Connections 8-Minutes at a Time

I was listening to Simon Sinek’s podcast, A Bit of Optimism, recently and he and his guest were talking about something so simple, but something that I feel alludes a lot us men – “how to be a friend.” How do we show up, how do we support, how do we let our friends know that we’re here for them?

Sinek shares this really beautiful story of a friend who didn’t know how to reach out when they needed someone to talk to and they came upon a great and powerful idea – the eight-minute phone call. It’s adapted from an article in the New York Times, and it goes like this: if your friend ever needs a person to talk to, they simply ask for an eight-minute phone call. That’s it.

So, Why 8 Minutes?

The idea might seem arbitrary, but there’s science behind it. Researchers have found that short, structured conversations have a profound impact on well-being. Notably, brief calls can significantly reduce levels of depression, loneliness, and anxiety. In a study of 240 adults, those who received regular short phone calls experienced rapid improvements in their mental health.

The Value of Hearing Another Voice

In just eight-minutes, you can share meaningful moments, express love and support, or seek advice. It’s a brief window that allows for deep connection that strengthens relationships.

Making It Work

Setting a “hard out” time ensures that conversations have a definitive end, avoiding the common issue of conversations dragging on. It’s respectful of everyone’s time while still allowing for genuine connection.

Take the Challenge

So, here’s the challenge: think of someone you miss or wish you could connect with more often. Shoot them a quick text proposing an eight-minute phone call sometime next week. It’s a small gesture that can have a significant impact.

Let’s start prioritizing connection in our lives, one eight-minute call at a time.