1. As a group, the Bee Gees reinvented themselves several times during their brilliant songwriting and performing career. When there was adversity and it looked like the Bee Gees' great success was over, they simply reinvented their music or the way they offered their gifts.

In our lives and relationships, we are all constantly changing. No one stays the same. One of the success strategies from people in long-lasting relationships that are alive, connected and filled with love is their ability to "reinvent" their relationship. In our relationship coaching practice, we've noticed that many couples put their relationship "on hold" as the years go by, especially with the addition of children and careers. One day, they usually wake up and wonder why there's such emptiness in their lives and why their relationship seems to have died. Successful couples don't allow that to happen and if they notice that it has, they take a fresh look at their relationship and pump new life into it.

2. According to their documentary, one of the secrets to the long-lasting success of the Bee Gees has been their ability to focus. We learned that they have been able to write hit songs in a very short time, with two hits being written in one afternoon. They also knew from an early age (Barry was 9 years old and Maurice and Robin were 6 years old) exactly what they wanted to do and they have focused their efforts toward that dream their entire lives.

We've discovered that one secret to a relationship filled with passion, love and connection is making that relationship a priority or a focus--as well as being able to envision the kind of relationship that you want. Couples who don't take each other for granted, who know how they want their relationship to be, and are constantly doing things that will bring them what they want are successful. Those who do the opposite are usually left wondering what went wrong and with an empty feeling.

3. In the words of the Bee Gees, one of the reasons that they have been phenomenally succussful as singers and songwriters is that they kept their connection with each other alive throughout the five decades that they were together. Not that they were connected at all times during those five decades but rather that they were able to do their best work, both on-stage or off-stage, when they felt a strong connection with each other.

Whether you are in a relationship or not, you probably feel your best when you feel a connection with others or with something like nature, a hobby or your work. You probably experience having more of an open heart at those times and a feeling that you are "in the groove" or "riding the wave." We've found that connection is a choice in every moment. We have the opportunity to choose whether to feel a connection with someone or something or to feel isolated and alone. Whether you are part of a couple or not, we suggest that you open your heart to feeling a connection. If you do, we're sure that you will feel more alive than you have ever felt.
It's been true for us and we know that it can be true for you.

We invite you to either rediscover the music of the Bee Gees or discover it for the first time--and consider adopting some of the ideas that we've written about in this article in your life. Life is too short for disconnection. Choose to reach out to someone and find out how good it can feel.