“There is real comfort in being quiet.” – Justina Chen
I lost my voice over the weekend.
It wasn’t a long dramatic laryngitis situation or anything. I got a bug and it took my voice with it for a little over 36 hours.
I’ve never lost my voice before.
And the ironic part of the whole thing is that I was literally JUST talking about how I need to learn how to shut the hell up.
To be quiet.
To listen more.
Why?
Because I totally have a “nervous talk too much” tendency … and it’s kind of ridicilous.
Actually … I should be honest with you … I have a “talk too much” tendency period.
Just the other day I was negotiating a deal for something personal I was working on and instead of shutting up … I totally talked myself in to a big black hole.
I’m still pissed about it.
And it’s sparked a movement in me … to be more aware and mindful of being quiet. To listen more. To react later.
So this weekend when I lost my voice … I thought … oh hell no … what are the odds of that?
The univerise is totally talking to me. And guess what … Universe I hear you!
Listening is critical. Most successful leaders and entrepreneurs credit thier success to listening. Richard Branson says one of the #1 factors in Virgin being successful was that he learned to shut the hell up and listen.
Listening is a skill that links together all positive human relationships.
And remember …. Listening is NOT the same as hearing!!
Hearing are the sounds you hear … where actual listening requires focus. It means not only paying attention to the story but HOW the story is told … language, voice, body movements.
Studies show we listen 60% of the time but ONLY 25% is retained.
Wowza.
So it sounds like to me listening, and really listening, is a pretty major asset to the brand of who you are!
I’m ready to take it more seriously and losing my voice kick-started the mission.
And what did I learn from my 36 hours of less talk / more listening? Here’s what:
- It relieves pressure to listen rather than always thinking of the next thing to say
- You HEAR more information
- You LEARN more information
- It makes people feel special
- There is peace in watching others communicate
- Silence is the greatest teacher of all
- Thinking before speaking is critical to gain respect and trust
- Silence helps check the Ego
So how about you … do you talk to much or do you listen like a champ?
I’d love to hear from you in the comments below …
Be Well. Be Inspired!
Judi
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