We all want to be loved, appreciated and do what we enjoy. As we tap in minute to minute through technology we think we’re well informed, socially connected with so many ‘friends’ and making a difference but if that’ the case why are so many people lonely, depressed, stressed and unhappy? Well, to allow me to feel important these are my thoughts…
People are quick to express their opinions through tweets, posts, video messaging, without getting facts. When they don’t feel heard or acknowledged they say it a little louder or repeat themselves. The truth is, they want to convince everyone their opinion is important and matters. They want to feel heard, understood and important! We all do! And, with so much technology at our fingertips we should feel abundant, confident and happy, but the truth is we’re less ‘connected’ than ever.
Families don’t sit down and share meals together while discussing the daily activities. Everywhere you go people are distracted by cell phones ringing, text messaging and too much stimulation of feeling the need to be, do and have everything.
Parents, children, teachers, employers, politicians, everyone wants to matter and be heard. But, how many of us really listen? How many of us acknowledge and appreciate what others’ have to say? How many of us express our appreciation for others’ opinions without feeling the need to add our two bits? How often do we sit down eye to eye and carry on a respectful conversation without any interruptions? Do we give our full attention and focus to what REALLY does matter – the people in our life?
If you felt genuinely appreciated by family, friends and co-workers would it empower you? If you felt confident you were understood and what you had to offer was appreciated, would you feel empowered?
Learn to listen intently to others. Ask pertinent questions with a genuine interest. Instead of jumping in to express your opinion, ask yourself if what you have to say will make a difference. Empower the ones around you and stand back to witness the shift that begins to occur. Hold silent when you don’t have the right words to express. Communicate effectively and openly with honesty and integrity.
We all matter. We all have information to share that can benefit someone. We need to stop the external chatter and listen to what matters the most right in our own neighborhoods. Establish relationships that you feel you can rely upon when it counts the most. Forget the excuses of “too busy” and let your friends know how much they matter to you. Create business relationships allowing your customers to know they matter, and what they need is important. When you listen you may discover exactly what it is they want that you can provide, rather than assuming what you think they need is what you’re promoting. In other words, let your customers or clients tell you before you go off telling them. Back up your products with guarantees you’re prepared to stand behind. Build trust and rapport, deliver integrity and authenticity and have fun because in the end that’s what matters!