Do You Have Eight Minutes?
In a world that often feels rushed and disconnected, finding even a few moments of real connection can be transformative. Simon Sinek popularized the concept of an eight-minute check-in, where a friend might text, “Do you have eight minutes?” to signal a need for support. This small gesture holds big potential for mental and emotional well-being, offering a quick, powerful way to bridge the isolation many of us feel today.
Research backs up the effectiveness of these short, focused interactions. Studies have shown that brief, meaningful conversations can reduce loneliness, lift mood, and ease anxiety, as seen in the 2021 study on regular phone check-ins published in JAMA Psychiatry, which found that consistent, supportive calls significantly alleviated feelings of depression and anxiety for participants. Similarly, Dr. Bob Waldinger, a Harvard professor and co-author of The Good Life, which stems from the world’s longest study on happiness, highlights that small, regular investments in relationships can yield major benefits for emotional well-being.
In The New York Times’ 7-Day Happiness Challenge, author Jancee Dunn encouraged readers to reach out to a loved one for a dedicated eight-minute phone call, even suggesting a simple prompt to get started: “Hey, I just read about this idea, and it made me think of you. Want to connect for eight minutes?” The simplicity of the gesture ensures it’s easy to follow through, especially during a busy week.
Eight minutes might seem short, but it’s often all that’s needed to make someone feel seen and valued. In a brief phone call or focused conversation, there’s no need for small talk; instead, both people get right to the heart of their feelings, which can make the interaction feel authentic and deeply satisfying.
When Sinek and his friend created their code, they recognized that reaching out can sometimes feel daunting. Saying, “Do you have eight minutes?” became a way to convey vulnerability without over-explaining. In a world where mental health struggles are often hidden behind “I’m fine,” the simplicity of this phrase provides a subtle but powerful way to ask for support. Sinek emphasizes that, regardless of a busy schedule, we can almost always spare eight minutes for someone we care about.
Consider introducing this concept to your own circle. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture—just a simple agreement among friends or family to check in for a few minutes when needed. Whether through text, a quick phone call, or even a voice message, the essence is to stay present and connected, fostering resilience through small but consistent acts of kindness.
Imagine a world where more of us had this kind of system in place—a world where eight minutes could be a lifeline, a reminder that someone cares, and a small step toward combatting the loneliness epidemic that affects so many. By embracing the eight-minute check-in, we can create a culture of presence, empathy, and support, one brief conversation at a time.
Sometimes, it’s not about having hours to give but about being fully present for the moments we do have. As Sinek’s friend reminded him, sometimes we just need a brief, focused moment of connection to help us feel grounded again. By bringing this simple practice into our lives, we can all experience the difference that eight minutes of true connection can make.