Building Awareness

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to forget the importance of listening and being present in the moment. We often listen to reply, instead of truly understanding and hearing what the other person is saying. But as Stephen Covey says, "seek first to understand, and then be understood." This means that we need to listen first and then respond, rather than responding without fully understanding what the other person is saying.

Getting quiet and listening completely is the first step in this process. When someone is speaking to us, we need to let them finish their sentences and not interrupt them. We can learn a lot about them and ourselves by doing so. Being present when we're with others is also essential. It means putting our phones away and focusing on the person in front of us.

Reflection is the second step. After a conversation, we need to reflect on what was said and how we responded. Journaling can be a helpful tool in this process. We can ask ourselves questions like "what did they mean by that?" or "why did I react that way?" By doing so, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the other person.

The last step is to put our phones away when we're with someone. It's easy to get distracted by notifications and messages, but it's essential to give our full attention to the person we're with. By doing so, we let them feel fully heard and understood. This creates a deeper connection and strengthens our relationships.

So, I challenge you to try this out this week. Put your phone away, listen completely, reflect on your conversations, and be present with the people around you. Journal about five things you're grateful for each day. By doing so, you'll not only grow yourself, but you'll also benefit your relationships. Remember, seek first to understand, and then be understood.