Amazing Things Will Happen: A Real-World Guide on Achieving Success and Happiness

Chapter 27

Beer and Coffee

Independent musician and piano rocker Matthew Ebel has a great album titled Beer and Coffee. I’m hoping he doesn’t mind me borrowing it, because I feel this combination is a cornerstone of living your life to the fullest.

We live in a world where if we didn’t want to, we’d never have to leave the house to have real-world, face-to-face contact with others. Our devices empower us to connect with people around the globe at any hour of the day. Although it is great to have that ability, seeing people face-to-face offers levels of interaction and connection not possible through technology.

Plenty of amazing opportunities can and will come about through your online networks. But when you want more than that, going out and meeting people is even better. To have amazing things happen to you, you need to step away from your screens and make sure you stay engaged with people. You’ve got to live beyond a social network to get the most out of life. Handshakes and hugs will always trump likes and shares.

Right now, in cities around the world and small towns down the road, people are sitting down over a drink of some sort and having a conversation. Some are talking about business and trying to sign a deal. Others just finished attending church and are catching up on the latest gossip. Some are meeting for the first time, and a relationship is being formed.

If it is hard for you to make it to events where colleagues or peers gather, schedule one-on-one catch-ups with ...