Listen

Most of us are under the impression that we listen to the people around us, at the very least our close friends and family. It can be easy, however, to fall into the habit of just hearing people speak and not truly listening. This is especially true when we view someone as outside of our chosen lifestyle, goals, personality type. Today we're going to talk about how truly listening to all of these people can yield surprising results.

Listening to Everyone

You have people around you every day. Some are close to you, some are not. Much of what they say may blend into the background, even if you are actively in a conversation with them. You hear them talk, but you don't truly listen.

This is a habit you need to break at the earliest opportunity. It may be cliche, but the old saying that everyone has something to teach you is true. Not everyone you interact with is going to shake your entire worldview every day, but doesn't mean there is nothing to learn.

People who are different from you are in many cases the best qualified to give you an excellent perspective on things, even when they don't mean to. Don't write people's words off simply because their views differ from yours. The simplest comments or questions from others have the potential to spark significant self reflection if you let them. Make a conscious effort to actively consider the words of everyone you interact with.

This goes double for the people around you who know you personally on any level, even if they're not on the same path you are. It can be easy to fall into the habit of thinking you know the people close to you so well that there is nothing new for them to teach you. Don't fall prey to this lazy thinking. The people closest to you that think and believe differently from you are in the best possible position to critique and question you, because they don't see the world through your lens.

What You Do With It

So you've made a point of paying more attention to what the people around you are saying, and even how they react to you. Great. What now?

Now you swallow your pride, actually listen, and act on it. This is something that sounds simple to do, but isn't easy. Pride gets in the way. Your ego will whisper to you and come up with all kinds of excuses for why you shouldn't or even can't be changed or inspired by others. What do they know, after all? They're not you, they don't know your struggles, your life.

You're right, they don't. And that's precisely WHY you should listen. They have a perspective that is untainted by being so close to what you see and experience every day. Something you are completely oblivious to could be blatantly obvious to them and be mentioned in a mere passing comment. If you're not paying attention, you could miss it. When you're truly listening to the people around you, you will notice and reflect on each of them. When you are are willing to reflect and ignore your pride, you will learn and improve from each one.

Are You Listening?

As always, I want to hear from all of you. Tell us about the people around you, and how listening to them has helped you.