#165 - Kathryn Gordon - Relationship GRIT: Lessons to Stay Together, Grow Together, & Thrive Together

Built Not Born Podcast: Kathryn Gordon on Relationship GRIT - How to Stay Together, Grow Together, and Thrive Together"Where there is a void in communication, negativity will fill it. That's why we need to communicate, communicate, communicate." - Kathryn GordonEpisode Overview

Kathryn Gordon is the co-author of the bestselling book "Relationship GRIT" and wife of best selling author Jon Gordon.

Kathryn discusses her candid journey of nearly 30 years of marriage.

Using remarkable vulnerability, Kathryn reveals the framework that helped her and Jon overcome significant challenges and build a thriving relationship that's stood the test of time.

🎧 Listen to the Full Episode

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📝 Episode Highlights

[00:03:15] 👋 Kathryn introduces herself and her journey from behind-the-scenes supporter to author and entrepreneur[00:06:40] 💘 The unexpected and persistent way she and John met (and almost didn't meet!)[00:11:20] 💔 Early marriage challenges and how they navigated having children while building businesses[00:15:30] 🧠 Introduction to the G.R.I.T. framework: God, Resolve, Invest, Together[00:18:45] 💯 Why perfect-looking couples often end up divorced[00:21:10] ⚖️ Why you shouldn't keep score in your relationship[00:24:30] 👏 The transformative power of complimenting your partner[00:28:15] 💪 Focusing on strengths instead of weaknesses[00:32:40] 🗣️ Why "where there is a void in communication, negativity will fill it"[00:35:50] 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The importance of regular family team meetings[00:39:20] 🚶‍♀️ Why walking together transforms difficult conversations[00:43:15] 🎢 Kathryn's one lesson for listeners: "Relationships are like riding a rollercoaster"

🔑 Key TakeawaysThe G.R.I.T. Framework

G - God: Putting faith at the center of your relationshipR - Resolve: Commitment to work through challenges instead of walking awayI - Invest: Continuously investing time and energy in your relationshipT - Together: Making decisions and facing obstacles as a united team

Best Practices for a Thriving Relationship

Don't keep score - relationships have seasons where give and take naturally fluctuateCompliment each other regularly - even (especially) when you don't feel like itFocus on strengths, not weaknesses - appreciate what your partner excels atCommunicate expectations clearly - don't expect mind-readingHave regular family/couple team meetingsWalk and talk - side-by-side communication reduces confrontation

📚 About "Relationship GRIT"