#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 Gordon

Episode 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 Takeaways

The G.R.I.T. Framework

G - God: Putting faith at the center of your relationship
R - Resolve: Commitment to work through challenges instead of walking away
I - Invest: Continuously investing time and energy in your relationship
T - 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 fluctuate
Compliment each other regularly - even (especially) when you don't feel like it
Focus on strengths, not weaknesses - appreciate what your partner excels at
Communicate expectations clearly - don't expect mind-reading
Have regular family/couple team meetings
Walk and talk - side-by-side communication reduces confrontation

📚 About "Relationship GRIT"

"Relationship GRIT: A True Story with Lessons to Stay Together, Grow Together, and Thrive Together" tells Kathryn and Jon Gordon's journey through struggles with money, parenting disagreements, and communication breakdowns to a thriving 28-year marriage. The book provides practical tools for couples to strengthen their relationship.

🔗 Connect with Kathryn Gordon

📌 Mentioned in this Episode

🏷️ Episode Tags

#RelationshipAdvice #MarriageTips #RelationshipGRIT #KathrynGordon #JonGordon #CommunicationSkills #HealthyRelationships #MarriageGoals #CoupleGoals #RelationshipPodcast #RelationshipHelp #BuildNotBorn #JoeCiccarone #Podcast #Relationships #marriage #EnergyBus #Communication

BUILT NOT BORN

Episode 165

9th May 2025