Is it feasible to excel in your chosen field while also nurturing a thriving romantic relationship—and experiencing a fulfilling life?
According to Chris Donaghue, Ph.D., a therapist based in Los Angeles and co-host of CBS’s Loveline with Amber Rose Podcast, many of his prominent and accomplished clients exemplify this possibility. He asserts that achieving both is attainable.
However, it necessitates that both individuals understand that maintaining the relationship demands as much attention as their careers do—and requires a significant degree of humility.
“The principles of business don’t align with the values needed for healthy relationships; in fact, they often clash,” Donaghue articulates. “Business typically lacks emotional engagement and centers on rationality, productivity, and asking, ‘What benefit does this offer me?’” he continues. “In contrast, personal connections require no tangible gain! The primary objective is merely existing together, and you often cannot plan for that. Someone who has cultivated an empire must often unlearn the very things that contributed to their success to foster a healthy relationship.”
Successful leaders who flourish in their personal spheres are those who learn to appreciate their partners as equals—irrespective of their social standing, financial assets, or attractiveness. “Accomplished individuals are typically accustomed to being the focal point, but this approach is ineffective at home,” states Donaghue.
Sustaining a vibrant and healthy relationship may often entail substantial adjustments, including reevaluating one’s social circle and moving away from the need for validation on social media. “We are significantly shaped by our social circles, and a fixation on social media metrics that emphasize luxury cars, vacations, and large estates disconnects you from what truly matters. It’s crucial to surround yourself with peers who prioritize meaningful pursuits in their lives.”
Interestingly, Donaghue reveals that he instructs his highly successful clients to transfer the skills they use in their personal lives to their business interactions. “I advise billionaires in my office that by engaging with their clients about personal anecdotes—like their grandchildren—they can humanize the conversation and greatly increase the likelihood of making a sale.”
