Relationships share a lot of similarities with the workout routine of any top athlete. In order for the athlete to perform at their peak, they must show up and complete their training. It takes an immense amount of effort and consistency to be the best they can be. Blood, sweat, and tears even. 

Woody Allen once said, ​“80% of success is showing up.” 

This may seem like common sense, but it takes consistent effort to make a relationship work. That doesn’t mean you need to wake up at 4am to hit the gym and eat only unseasoned chicken and broccoli like some athletes do. It just means showing up every day and putting your best into your relationship with your partner. Your best may look different each day, and that’s okay as long as you show up.

What can happen when both partners show up and put in the hard yards? 

Putting in effort fosters mutual respect. When both partners are invested in the relationship and make an effort to meet each other’s needs and desires, it creates a deeper level of trust and understanding.

Effort creates intimacy. Making time for each other, engaging in meaningful conversations and sharing experiences are key components of a healthy relationship. These interactions help to strengthen the bond between each other and deepen your emotional connection.

Effort leads to growth. Relationships that are maintained and nurtured with intention will grow and evolve over time. This leads to greater happiness and a more fulfilling life together.

Effort prevents boredom and complacency. Putting thought and intention into your relationship keeps it dynamic and exciting, which can help to prevent boredom and complacency from setting in. Even 20+ years down the line! So put in the effort to plan that date night, you won’t be disappointed! 

Remember, the most important thing is to show up for your relationship — just like a runner puts on their shoes and steps outside. It’s the hardest step, but without a doubt the most important.

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Toucan Together can help you improve many aspects of your relationship: discover deeper ways to communicate; find positive approaches for resolving arguments; learn to speak each other’s Love Languages®️; build friendship, intimacy and a great sex-life. Get started by taking the​‘Pulse’ of your relationship with our short research-based quiz and see the health of your relationship across seven key indicators. GET STARTED NOW | LOG IN