Listening with Intent

Welcome to Career Advise, the newsletter providing career advice, how-tos, and life musings through an optimistic and intriguing lens.

Each week, you will receive two newsletters written by the Oppstartr Team. Mondays — Our career-focused newsletter. Fridays — Out of Office where we discuss life and other thought-provoking ideas.

Happy Friday to you all, and welcome to Out of Office, the weekend edition of Career Advise.

A few weeks ago, I shared my thoughts in a piece titled “24 Thoughts for 2024.” I’ll admit, it was a somewhat selfish act – an attempt to articulate actions for improvements in my own life. Yet, there was a selfless intent as well; I had hoped it would resonate with others, sparking introspection and contemplation.

As we journey through 2024, I’ve committed to revisiting some of these thoughts. This week, inspired by a profound conversation with a long-time friend, I felt compelled to expand on number nine: “Great peace stems from listening intently without the impulse to interrupt.”

If you’re anything like me, thanks to the computer we carry around in our pocket, over the last few years, I’ve become increasingly impatient. I’ve found myself racing to cross off the daily to-do list just in time to start anew the next day. With this, I’ve found I am not always present in my day-to-day encounters.

So, I’ve made it a point to be more present with others. My plan? To emphasize the significance of listening intently to others. Over that cup of coffee I shared with my friend, I experienced a peace I hadn’t felt in some time. I left feeling revitalized, having genuinely absorbed the words spoken. The idea of following up with him, not just as a formality but with a sincere interest in our discussed topics, brings great joy.

There’s an invaluable lesson in the art of listening without the need to interrupt. It’s all too easy to be swept away by the rippling current of our daily obligations, losing sight of the connections that matter the most.

Being present is a deliberate act of mindfulness. It means resisting the urge to check our screens mid-conversation or formulating responses before the other person completes their thought. This intentional focus transforms dialogue into a rich exchange, an authentic meeting of unique minds.

During the conversation, I noticed the subtle details of my friend’s expressions and the depth of his words. It was like discovering a hidden chapter in a familiar book. Listening intently doesn’t scratch the surface; it uncovers layers in our relationships that we might have previously overlooked.

I encourage you to reflect on the following questions: How often are you truly present in your daily interactions? Do you find yourself subconsciously recycling responses instead of immersing yourself in the moment?

Collectively, let’s embark on a journey to become better listeners. The next time you engage in conversation, resist the desire to interrupt and, instead, allow the words to flow naturally. You may find that in these moments of undivided attention, a sincere connection blooms, bringing with it a sense of inner peace.

We can challenge the norm, by actively choosing to be present. In doing so, we may just enhance our own lives while contributing to a world where genuine connections flourish.

Thank you for reading Career Advise. Be sure to read our upcoming issue on Monday where we focus on our first pillar: Temper the Mind.

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