Listen more than you speak

Do you listen more than you speak? I’m very guilty of NOT listening enough. Just ask Dudie, my 9 year old son. I have this kak habit of answering him before he is done speaking… I’m working on it, I promise. Maybe I should put my finger on my mouth whilst I wait for him to finish, like we did in primary school when we had to be quiet 🙂

On another note, time is precious and the amount of questions or information that my child shares with me is incredible. I have been apologising so much lately that I’m too impatient waiting for him to finish. No matter what he is saying, IT IS IMPORTANT TO HIM. I am acknowledging him and his needs.

Listen more than you talk. Nobody learned anything by hearing themselves speak. – Richard Branson

Listen with intent to understand the message being conveyed

Honestly, I’m so consumed in my own tasks that I forget to listen to the actual message. I summarise and grab bits of information and then just draw my conclusion from there. I’ve gotten it wrong so many times. BUT I have realised that I am wasting more time. I really should just stop and LISTEN and get it right the first time. It’s a work in progress.

Did you know that listening is a skill? By listening you will ensure that you will be communicating effectively. Do you know if you are an active or inactive listener?

I used to be an inactive listener until I decided no more. I try my hardest to actually listen to what is being said. I would summarise the message and regurgitate what I think the message was. This way I’m establishing whether I’m on the right track with said message.

I’m sure you are familiar with the saying about why you have two ears, “listen twice as much before you speak”…

Well, take note and LISTEN! It’s all about intentional living now.

I’m striving to be a more active listener…

Are you an active listener?

Spirited Mama

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If you are new to my series find the previous posts below:

Week 1 – Living with intent

Week 2 – Be an example

Week 3 – Be YOU

Week 4 – Treasure people NOT possessions

Week 5 – Change is inevitable

Week 6 – Let it go

Week 7 – Love YOURSELF

Week 8 – FORGIVE

Week 9 – TRUST

Week 10 – BELIEVE in yourself

Week 11 – Find GOOD Friends

Week 12 – Enjoy the small things… F*ck balance

Week 13 – Be KIND

Week 14 – Be PATIENT

Week 15 – ARM yourself

Week 16 – Take a TIME OUT