#13
Listen to people when they speak.
Listen...don't just hear them while you are formulating your own response or input.
This is another rule from Don't Sweat the Small Stuff.
I never thought about it until I read that book and then it hit me like a ton of brinks! (or books...)
I am terrible at this...this is my biggest social crime. As one speaks I always think of what story I can tell where that happened to me....or how can I have input here.
What most people don't realize is that when they do this, they miss out on the important things that the other is trying to say.
I am terrible at this...this is my biggest social crime. As one speaks I always think of what story I can tell where that happened to me....or how can I have input here.
What most people don't realize is that when they do this, they miss out on the important things that the other is trying to say.
Ever since my awareness was raised to this small personality imperfection I have worked really hard on fixing it. Am I good at it yet?.....noooo.... but I try. I actually find myself whispering in my head....'listen, listen..stop thinking about that and listen.....'
So yes, you may miss out on opportunities to chime in. You may not get a chance to share your particular story. But you will be a better friend, a better co-worker, a better person over all, if you are someone that people enjoy talking to because they are actually heard. And you will be better in the end, because you will actually learn something from other people. You will feel good about yourself....trust me.
Did you hear me....I said listen! :O)~
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