Listening Changes Everything
Ok, we’ve all found ourselves in those moments where we have decisions to make and all we can hear is noise. That’s usually us, talking to ourselves, by the way. How many of you are verbal processors like me? Ha! But it’s true when we have to move something forward, like finishing a story, taking those steps toward establishing a new business or getting a new job, it can often be hard to put one foot in front of the other. A part of that is fear of failure, sure. Another reason is too many options.
In times like these, I tend to make myself slow down, get calm and listen.
Listening isn’t passive, it’s active. There is a cost to listening because it means you have to admit you need help - you don’t have all the answers.
And you need to make time to listen, don’t you? So, that will mean you have to STOP doing something to listen, generally.
I know I need to listen more when all I hear around me is noise when my head is in a swirl. Here are some tips I use to quiet down and listen.
Stop
Sometimes, in order to listen you literally have to stop everything you’re doing. You have to make yourself sit still, calm your heart and breathe. It’s awesome if you can find time every day to do this, but if you can’t, if you have ants in your pants, then make sure to do this at least 2X per week. Once you start doing it on a more regular basis you’ll seek it out and make time for it.
Figure Out Who You Should Be Listening To
Listening might be as simple as settling down and listening to yourself. If you’re quiet, you might find that you have all the answers you need, you just kept missing them for all the noise. But it can also mean finding “others” that can provide help. This could be a mentor, a master (someone you don’t know personally), a family member, or a dear friend. Be careful who you seek out though, good listening requires discernment. You need to be listening to the person who is right for your particular need.
Be Brave
When you slow down and listen you most always will hear things that you don’t like. True. Once I was ready to bust a big professional move and a still, small voice said - clearly, “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” I am so glad I listened, I would have failed. Be brave, and listen hard.
Take Advice
When you take the time to listen, you need to be ready to take some of that advice you get. All listening isn’t wrapped up in opinions and ideas that must be applied. But, often, it is, and if you bother to listen, then you should be prepared to do.