Are you really listening?
Do you really listen to people? Be honest. When you talk to somebody, people usually interrupt. They say stuff or try to cover stuff that they want to cover. Then they let the other person talk and butt in to cover the stuff that they want to make. They never really absorb what the other person is saying. They never take the opportunity to learn. Instead of talking and listening, they engage in some sort of verbal ping pong.
There is nothing wrong with metal sharpening metal. That’s how we grow as people, grow mentally and become better creatures with cognitive abilities. The problem is we often go through the motions, and we don’t really value the conversation for what it is.
When you really listen to somebody, you must assume that they can teach you something. That’s the core assumption that you have to go back to and make the centerpiece of your conversation. Otherwise, it’s going to be difficult for you to give the kind of respect and importance it needs for it to benefit. You need to remember that, because if you don’t assume that you will learn anything from people, it would be very hard for you to listen.
Be honest with yourself. Ask and go back to the central question. Do you really listen? The moment you start rediscovering the art of listening, is the moment you truly reconnect with people.
