I got so much “food for thought” from the listening message Margie shared last week, and while I was chewing on and digesting it, a related thought was triggered. A tiny voice inside my head was saying, “Don’t shoot the messenger!”
I didn’t understand that at first, and as that voice became louder, the meaning became clearer. Many times, I’ve actively resisted listening to what someone was saying because I already had an opinion about the subject, didn’t like the person, or rejected what was being said. With all that noise in my head, I cannot possibly listen with much objectivity, let alone ask any questions or learn from a different point of view.
Therefore, my SMART goal was to work at being more open-minded.
When I heard something new that didn’t fit into my way of thinking, I tried to be accommodating, giving time and space to reflect on it. I worked hard to let go of my own preferences enough to actually listen carefully and research the facts presented. I asked questions respectfully and asked myself questions:
- How much do I really know about the subject?
- How reliable is my source of information?
- Have I considered other ideas?
- Do I think my way is the only way just because it always has been?
I struggled to give the new thoughts and myself time before responding and reminded myself that I always have more to learn.
At the end of the week, I realized that working to keep an open mind while listening gave me a huge opportunity to consider doing things differently. I was reminded, as my Dad loved to say, “If you think you know it all, you probably don’t!”
I look forward to continuing to hone all of my listening skills.
Learning as I go, Barb
By Barbara ONeil January 26, 2023
Looking forward to getting help to continue with help to get back on my weight loss journey.
By Heather McLean February 14, 2022
Hi Barb
I see this week ( Feb 14th ) that it is not your Blog but someone named Sandra.
Just hope you are okay.
Are you coming back?
Heather xxx
By Judy A Culbertson February 3, 2022
I love your dad’s comment!
By Regina Barrett February 1, 2022
Happy New Year and thanks so much Barb. I have learned that sometimes you have to REALLY just listen, and oftentimes learn something. Everyone is not asking for my opinion. Listening does take undivided attention, and I have been guilty of multi-tasking while listening.
By Sylvia Duncan February 1, 2022
Thank you Barb for some badly needed advice. So much of communication now is far deeper and more complicated by the times. So many things are total mysteries to me and I must remember that as I listen to words on nutrition and exercise.
By Shirley Wilson February 1, 2022
Great advise for all of us.
By Shirley February 1, 2022
Thank you Barbara for reminding me that I always have more to learn.!
By Shirley Renaud February 1, 2022
Thank you Barbara for reminding me that I always have more to learn.!
By Karren Tinlin January 31, 2022
Between you and Margie, the “listening cord” has been struck. THANKS!
By Lisa G Richardson January 31, 2022
I enjoyed this read as it’s a reminder to me that listening and open mindedness are critical and valuable skills to have. I’ve learned so much from putting my own thoughts and feelings aside and focusing on what the messenger is saying. The message has often given me a different perspective and another way to make things easier. Also, I have learned to agree to disagree while keeping someone else’s point of view in mind and maybe even learning something new. Thanks for sharing this Barb! TOPS forever!
By Gina Brueske January 31, 2022
Good advise. Thanks. Very true.