Today, we break down why high performers often struggle in this area—and how to create alignment instead of assumption.

But first, here is what else you’ll find in this issue…

Most people measure success by what they’ve built.

Have you built a storybook romance?

If you want to understand how peak performers create results across every important area of life, it doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens through collaboration.

Most people try to figure this out on their own—and stay stuck in the same patterns.

If you’re not yet a member of The Summiteers Community, we invite you to learn more by clicking HERE.

Cindy Ann Olsen is our Summiteer of the Week.
From creating community & gardens to financial planning on Wall Street, Cindy Olson has a kaleidoscopic wealth of experience that connects with her breadth of knowledge and interests. A common thread throughout her life experience has been seeing all circumstances as opportunities. Whether working to grow abundant & aligned business systems or sustainable eco-systems, designing courses or costumes, or imparting pain-free living, Cindy’s leadership has been key both in the small details of matters and in challenging, large-scale issues. Combining her analytical skills with her deep concern for our planet, she is growing the global Natural Health Collaborative, knowing the earth is conspiring to help us. Join her Facebook Group here: Facebook.com/empoweredselfhealing

There’s a belief most high performers hold:

“As I become more successful in the business world, my romantic life will follow.”

It sounds logical.

And early on, it may even seem true.

You communicate well.
You solve problems.
You bring value.

But at some point, it starts to break down.

Because relationships don’t operate on performance.

They operate on presence.

Belief: Success in the business world will translate into relationships

Action: You apply logic, strategy, and problem-solving

Evidence: You handle issues—but lack deeper connection

Interpretation: “They don’t understand me” or “I just need to try harder”

Identity: You become the high performer who struggles with intimacy

Consistent Expression: You try harder to solve the problem, but remain frustrated

Because from the outside, everything may look fine.

But internally, you know...it’s not.

You’ve created financial success.

But relationships require a different skill set:

And if those aren’t developed intentionally…

You default to what you are strong at.

Which creates distance instead of depth.

You don’t need a better relationship strategy.

You need a different way of showing up.

From:
“How do I fix or improve this?”

To:
“How do I understand, connect, and be present here?”

Because relationships aren’t optimized.

They’re experienced.

Have one conversation you’ve been avoiding.

Not to solve it.

Not to win it.

Just to understand.

Listen more than you speak.

And don’t interrupt the silence.

That’s where connection starts.

Dr. Don interviews longtime friend and Learning and Development expert Jeff Thrutchley.

The two explore a career metamorphosis Jeff experienced and examine it through the lens of The Manifestation Loop.

The Episode 2 - Friday 4/25/26. Click HERE to watch now.

If you want to see how other peak performers are thinking about this, participate in the poll above.

We’ll send you the results on Wednesday—and break down what it means.

Remember, success in the boardroom doesn’t guarantee success in the bedroom.

They require different skill sets.

Dr. Don