333. labels
We use labels for different ideas. Most times, we take for granted that the way we see things is how they actually are. It’s actually quite difficult not to do this as we are at the very center of our own universe, but the reality is this only leads to more misunderstandings than anything because one person’s interpretation likely doesn’t match another’s.
It might sound like we’re having the same conversation because we’re using the same label, but what we mean is completely different. For example, someone can be talking about Christianity in terms of squashing other people’s viewpoints, while another uses it as a way to speak about how you should be accepting and nice to your neighbor. Or, someone can be talking about a Paleo diet in terms of it being unrealistic in terms of a way to garner sustenance, while another uses it as a template to consume whole, unprocessed foods. The examples are endless because each of us views the world through a slightly different lens, therefore clarification is important.
The point is to seek to understand before continuing the discussion. Chances are a little exploration of someone’s label can provide a great deal of clarity, leading to a more productive conversation.
282. better interactions
Most of the problems we encounter with one another arise from our lack of clear and concise communication. Here are a few tips to think about when we’re interacting with someone. Hopefully, with a greater awareness of our thoughts and the words we choose to express them, we can create better, more productive conversations.
Be willing to ask for help.
- Ask for help whenever you need to.
- Remind yourself that if you need something, most people will be happy to help if they can.
- Use clear, intimate communication to ask for what you want, explaining your feelings and the reasons behind your request.
- Trust that most people will listen if you ask them to.
Be yourself, whether people accept you or not.
- State your thoughts clearly and politely, without malice, and do not try to control how people receive it.
- Do not give more energy than you really have.
- Instead of trying to please, give other people a true indication of how you feel.
- Don't volunteer for something if you think you'll resent it later.
- If someone says something you find offensive, you don't need to let the statement go. Try to offer an alternative viewpoint, but don't base the success of the conversation on whether you can change the other person's mind.
Sustaining and appreciating emotional connections.
- Make a point of keeping in touch with people you care about, and returning their messages.
- Think of yourself as someone who can give and receive help from your community of friends.
- Even when people aren't saying the "right" thing, tune into whether they're trying to help. If their effort feels genuine, and makes you feel emotionally nurtured, express your gratitude.
- When someone irritates you, do not say the first thing that comes to mind, think about what you can say to improve the situation and create a mutual understanding. If necessary, wait until you cool off and then ask if the other person is willing to revisit the situation.
Have reasonable expectations.
- Keep in mind that being perfect isn't always necessary. Getting things done is often better than obsessing over getting everything perfect. Adjustments can usually be made after the fact.
- When you get tired, rest or do something different. Your level of physical energy and focus will alert you to when you're doing too much. Don't wait for an accident or produce poor quality work if your head isn't in it.
- When you make a mistake, just remember you're human. Even if you think you've anticipated everything, there will always be unexpected hurdles from time to time.
- Remember that everyone is responsible for their own feelings and for expressing their needs clearly. Beyond common courtesy, it isn't up to you to guess what others want.
Communicate clearly and actively seek preferred outcomes.
- Don't expect people to know what you need unless you tell them. Having someone care about you doesn't mean they automatically know what you're feeling.
- If the people closest to you upset you, use the feelings of pain to identify your underlying need. Then use clear, intimate communication to provide guidance on how they could give it to you.
- When your feelings are hurt, try to understand your reaction first. Did something trigger feelings from your past, or did the person really treat you insensitively? If someone was insensitive, ask them to hear you out.
- Be thoughtful to other people, and if they aren't thoughtful in return, ask them to be more considerate in the future, and then let it go.
- Ask for something as many times as it takes to get a clear answer.
- When you get tired of interacting, politely speak up, asking if there is anyway to continue at another time. Kindly explain that your capacity has been reached at the moment.
268. “made me feel”
We frequently use the words “made me feel.” We’ll say something like; this person made me feel bad because of what they said.
We use these words for their ease. They require no introspection of their use. We believe we’re just a simple bystander to the events that happen to us. Saying “made me feel” absolves us from the responsibility of having to understand where spontaneous feelings are coming from. But the thing is, no one outside of ourselves has the power to make us feel a certain way. The feelings of anger, frustration, anxiety, sadness, and even love are all coming from within you. Whatever triggers their response is what we need to call attention to, sit with, and explore.
In other words, the input doesn’t determine the output. Our response to what someone says or does to us, is our response. No one can insert a feeling within us. The sooner we realize this, the sooner we can stop making the mistake that other people can exert some level of control over how we feel or operate in our daily lives, and take the responsibility to create the interactions we want.
262. listen
If you are proficient in your field, people will come to you with questions.
It’s likely that very early on in your conversation with these people, you will think you know what the problem is, feel the urge to speak up, and then offer a solution — because there is really no point in wasting more time on a simple fix, right?! Well, if you start to tell someone what they should be doing without the opportunity for them to be fully heard, then the chances are, they won’t feel heard and will likely not listen to your answer. Even if you’ve listened to similar problems a thousand times before, it’s only when the other person feels heard that the advice you provide can be fully recognized, accepted, and used to overcome the very unique issue to that specific person.
So, while it is true that people are coming to us because they are seeking knowledge, we must keep in mind that they are also coming to us with a need to be heard.