What's your number one question about personal development?


The Importance Of Active Listening: I Spend 80 Percent Of My Time Listening And Asking Questions

By Jose Lizama

Updated on Sunday 21st of May 2023

What's your number one question about self-improvement?


In a world where there seems to be more noise than ever, it's not surprising that many of us often find ourselves feeling disconnected and misunderstood. Everywhere we go, people are talking, but how many are truly listening? How many are making a genuine effort to connect with others and build relationships through active listening and effective communication?

The good news is that it only takes a small shift in mindset to make a significant difference in how we communicate with others. By adopting the affirmation "I spend 80 percent of my time listening and asking questions," we can remind ourselves of the importance of being present, engaged, and curious when engaging with others.

Just imagine if we all approached every conversation with an open mind and a genuine desire to connect. Imagine how much more meaningful and fulfilling our interactions would be if we focused on actively listening and asking thoughtful questions, rather than just waiting for our turn to talk.

But why is listening so important? At its core, active listening is about showing empathy and respect for the other person. By truly hearing and understanding what someone is saying, we are showing that we value them and their perspective. This, in turn, builds trust and strengthens our relationships with others.

Additionally, active listening can help us learn valuable insights that we might not have otherwise considered. By approaching a conversation with curiosity and openness, we can gain a deeper understanding of the other person's thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This can inform our decisions and actions and ultimately lead to better outcomes for all involved.

Of course, active listening isn't always easy. We all have our biases, assumptions, and preconceived ideas that can cloud our ability to truly hear and understand what someone else is saying. But by committing to spending 80 percent of our time listening and asking questions, we can start to put our egos aside and approach conversations with a beginner's mind.

So the next time you find yourself in a conversation, try to adopt the mindset of spending 80 percent of your time listening and asking questions. Listen with an open mind and an open heart, and approach the conversation with curiosity and empathy. Who knows what insights you might gain and what connections you might make as a result?

Let the affirmation "I spend 80 percent of my time listening and asking questions" be your guide to becoming a more engaged, empathetic, and effective communicator. By putting the focus on listening and connection, we can build deeper relationships and ultimately lead more fulfilling lives.

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