Listening...the forgotten art of communition

Biggest ironies of our times : We say but don't listen, we show but fail to see and we teach but not ready to learn.

Communication is a two way process between a sender and receiver and many people are also aware about this. But how many people really care? In this era of technology and social media, everyone is busy in saying something on anything. Everybody wants to express himself or herself by every possible mean and rarely care about the other person's viewpoint.

The 1st two decades of 21st century have witnessed a revolution in communication. The penetration of smartphones and internet have made things accessible at the touch of a finger. Whatsapp, Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin have given a voice to every netizen, which wasn't there till the end of last century. But may be, that was good. Now, don't get touchy!! Due to this technological revolution, most of us have lost one basic skill for proper communication, that's listening. 

For proper and better communication, it's very important for someone to pay attention to the speaker. But, with smartphones in hand, this has become almost impossible. People are either busy chatting or taking photos. Irony is that, on one side we want be with someone or somewhere, and when we are with that someone or at that place, we are as usual busy on smartphones. We have developed a habit of seeing everything from phone's eye. We fail to pay attention and enjoy the moment by keeping the smartphone active. And, even if we are not on smartphone, we indulge in meaningless arguments by preparing answers for unasked questions. We are always ready to discuss something which has nothing to do with our lives, just to show our knowledge.

These thing have our world like never before, and more for bad. Politicians and religious leaders have been smart enough to take benefit of this. They run their campaigns, utter something to create hysteria and then take advantage of fear and anger of innocent people. Companies across globe are also facing a bigger communication issue despite of having highly qualified and skilled workforce. Psychologists have been saying this for a long that improper communication is one of the biggest reason of  broken relationships.

It's time now that we start developing the basic art of communication and that's listening otherwise the extreme chaos will worsen and things will get out of control for mankind sooner than later.
Remember, when we are speaking we are only repeating ourselves, but something new can be learned by paying attention and listening.

Have you done a SWOT analysis lately?

SWOT analysis is a management term used as acronym of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. It is basically a planning & execution instrument, very commonly and regularly used by companies and organisations for various purposes.

Most people use such methodology in business but not for self. An individual SWOT analysis is very important for anyone and everyone who is willing to change and take his or her life to the next level.
It's true that you can't achieve a goal which isn't set yet. Similarly, it is also true that most people fail to achieve their set goals repeatedly. How many times have you missed your 'weight loss' target? How many times have you postponed buying a new car or bike? Since how long have you been waiting to go on a dream holiday? The list may go on, which shows how often one fails in achieving set goals.

A 'self-swot' analysis can be a great help in your road to success. An analysis of self will help you the manner below.

S : A strength can be skills possessed, qualification, resources, connections, facilities etc.

W : It can be a skill or qualification or also can be money or scarcity of resources.

O : When there is a weakness, there is an opportunity to improve. Find and start working upon.

T : Threats can be things like competition from colleagues, other industry players, new technology.

Above explanation is intentionally kept very brief  so that it can spark your mind but also not cage it categorically. These factors can be internal or external, but mostly interconnected. You should brainstorm as much as possible to get a clear picture.

This exercise will help you most if the the goals are clearly set, because when the destination is defined, making a road map is easier. You will be very happy to find out all your strengths, many of which will also surprise you. That will also give you a positive feeling. For all your weaknesses, you will have the opportunity to improve and create a better self.  Finding and assessing the threats will make you more aware and alert about your current situation, which will motivate you to move faster and smarter.

So, don't wait for someone else to come and tell you about your strong points and weaker points. Do it yourself today with open mind and complete dedication. Victory awaits you. 

Rule your fear and do it now

How long since you have been thinking of doing something and still not done it? Things like quitting your job for your own business, going on an adventure trip, talking to your boss about what your really want, or doing something weird without fearing criticism, etc.

To fear is one of the basic character of human nature. No one is alive without some kind of fear. We all have our own fears, but most of us are very comfortable in living with them. It also happens that many are not even aware about their fears and of those who are aware, barely do to fight and overcome about it. We rarely do something to fight them or get rid of it.

In life, there comes a time when you feel alone in-spite of being surrounded by thousands. Every sight is blurred with eyes wide open. All the contacts in your smartphone and Facebook look of no real meaning. Whatever seems right, turns out to be wrong.

Though it sounds foolish and unrealistic, this is the time when you can find your true potential. If there is no one around you to help, also there isn't anyone who can possibly stop you from doing what you love and always wanted to do. This is the time to move out courageously and strongly than ever before. Remember, only you are the force and you only are the obstacle in you way to success.

Get control over your thoughts and emotions. Set a destination. Prepare a road map and start taking actions. Always keep in mind that your actions will lead you to your destiny. Only thoughts and desires aren't enough.

If you can fight and beat your fears, concentrate your energy into a proper direction, no one will be able to stop you, rather things will automatically get in shape to help you in achieving your dreams.