Did you know that 8 minutes can change someone’s life, if not save their life?

I stumbled across a video a few months ago from Motivational Speaker and Author, Simon Sinek, speaking about a friend of his who was deeply struggling, and while he was sad for her, he was angry she never reached out. He asked, “why didn’t you tell me?” She responded, “I did, multiple times!” And yet, when he looked at his phone, all of her messages seemed normal, saying things like, “want to come over?” But he was busy doing his own thing, living life, and had absolutely no idea she was struggling and really needed him. He then asked her, “How will I ever know through candid messages like this, that you really need me?!” They came up with a code, Do you have 8 Minutes?

Anyone can step out of a meeting, or simply take an 8 minute break from the floor, to be there for someone struggling. Think about it, was that sales meeting REALLY that important? did those 8 minutes affect your job performance so drastically?

Because, in those 8 minutes, you showed someone at the end of their rope that you cared. you made an effort that no one else has, and this person feels wanted and needed and loved and heard for the first time in a long time. What is more important to you? The sales meeting or your friend’s life? I am serious, an not being dramatic. I have experienced the 8 minute saving grace myself, and have immense gratitude for the friend who immediately sensed my sadness and gave me the 8 minutes I needed. I also watched someone closest to me spiral into a frightening state, and witnessed his spirit lift as soon as his best friend called and gave him those 8 minutes. A life saving 8 minutes.

During the 2020 pandemic lockdown, a lot of people started doing mental health check-in’s. Why did we stop? Just because we’re not locked inside of our homes doesn’t mean our mental health is suddenly and magically better now. People still struggle, especially after a life altering injury. Especially their caretakers. Check on your happy friends. Let’s just start a trend of consistent check-ins, shall we? And Alwaysremember those important 8 minutes.