As the end of the month draws near, we’re reminded of all the ‘must –do’s” that didn’t get done. Whether it’s something small like going through that pile of papers on your desk or a ‘big ticket item’ like starting a job search, the only way to cross it off your to-do list is to take strategic action. Easier said than done, but in all likelihood, not as difficult as you think. I CHALLENGE YOU to choose one item from your to-do list and get it done by the end of the month. For a ‘big-ticket item’ ask yourself, what one reasonable first step can I take to get the ball rolling? Then take that step by February 28. The first step is the hardest, but before you know it, you’re done! Were you up for the challenge? I’d love to hear your success stories, so let me know how it goes. “Nothing changes until something changes.” ~ Unknown Source Happy Valentine’s Day! Why so late? As a reminder that you can express love and appreciation for your significant other any day of the year. Strong, healthy relationships don’t just happen. They take time and require MAINTENANCE. So what can you do to build/maintain a strong, healthy relationship? Simple. Do the things you used to do when you were courting. For example:
A Good Read: The Science of Interpersonal Relationships: A Practical Guide to Building Healthy Relationships, Improving Your Soft Skills and Learning Effective Communication by Ian Tuhovsky. What do you do to keep your relationship going strong? I’d love to hear from you. Want to learn more about building better relationships? Check this out. www.shelleyweisscohen.com/romantic-relationships-how-to-stay-strong-and-connected-over-the-long-haul.html My last two posts (1/10 and 1/19) were about talking too much and what you can do about it. Now it’s time to put the pedal to the metal. Learning to speak to others without droning on endlessly or interrupting requires patience and a sense of timing. The fine art of conversation is simply about listening and then waiting for a natural break in the conversation before you speak. First, find a buddy to practice with. Choose a topic and have your buddy start speaking first. It’s your job to listen carefully and remain silent until you notice a natural break in the conversation. Then it’s your turn to speak. Be mindful of how long you speak. Try to get your point across in a timely manner, then pause. At this juncture, get feedback and suggestions from your buddy before you continue. To take your conversational skills to the next level, use a timer and take turns listening for two minutes and then speaking for two minutes. This will help you become a better listener and control the urge to speak for too long. Before you know it, you’ll become adept at the natural flow, rhythm and cadence of conversation and find it even more enjoyable as a result. Lastly, shift your priorities. Make conversation just as much about listening and what you can learn from the other person as it is about getting your point across. At the end of every conversation, make it a point to ask yourself: what was my biggest takeaway? If you were actively engaged in both listening and speaking, this will be an easy question to answer. |
I coach women of all ages, but my specialty is coaching women at midlife and beyond. CategoriesArchives
April 2022
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