Listening...

One of the important things I needed to learn about myself was I didn't know anything about being assertive. This realization forced me to look inside and be true to myself. I had to be honest with myself and start from zero. One thing I've always held to be fact was look to experts when seeking advice. To me everyone was somewhat of an expert so I had to respect what people told me when I asked a question. I had to learn to listen.

Listening was a lot harder than it sounded and I noticed incredibly more rare than people were willing to admit. Having been forced to humble myself and seek the advice of others, I felt they only way to be respectful was to listen. To be successful, emulate the people who were successful... for me that was to watch and observe outgoing people.

I followed, watched, and mirrored their actions but more importantly I listened to the advice that they gave me. I had to teach myself that asking for help wasn't a huge obstacle, asking for advice wasn't insulting, and criticism wasn't a negative but a positive. Even these facts becoming apparent were huge steps in my growth.

Listening is not the art of hearing but the art of focusing and understanding. It doesn't require part of your attention but all of it. Learn to listen, life becomes easier...