Living Life by Design

I had a frustrating day yesterday. There were several fires I was tasked to put out. From early morning to late afternoon I had numerous email conversations, Skype conversations and conference calls that got us nowhere. It wasn’t until a conference call at 4:00 PM that a breakthrough happened. This “Ah-Ha” moment took place because someone decided that listening to understand was more important than listening to respond. This individual cared enough to put his incredibly busy schedule aside and listen. He listened until he understood the problems and then took ownership of them.

We’re all busy, I get it. There are so many urgent things that need to be done during the day and if they’re not done, guess who gets the blame? But, let me ask you something. Have you ever been in a situation where you uttered the immortal words, “but you don’t understand.” Or, “wait, let me explain” when the person you were speaking to just listened to respond, and not take the time to understand? How did it make you feel? Helpless? Frustrated beyond words? Suicidal?

Today, can we all take a deep breath and try to live the day intentionally. Don’t listen to respond…listen to understand and make a difference. The individual yesterday not only made a difference in my life but also in the lives of numerous other people. Not because he was able to solve all our issues…it was because he listened…listened to understand. He’s my hero, and I truly mean that.

Remember, once today’s gone, it’s gone forever. The actions you take, the decisions you make will be etched in time. Make a difference in some ones life today and listen to understand.

Rant concluded…