Here are some areas to focus on to become a better listener.

Make sure you are giving your full attention to someone who is speaking to you. Be aware of what thought processes are going on in your head. Stop yourself from judging what is being said because of some personal characteristics of the speaker. Don’t get preoccupied with who is speaking; rather concentrate on what is being said.

Provide feedback when asked. It is encouraging to a speaker to acknowledge that you are listening by nods or asking clarifying questions. However, don’t fall into the trap of giving your advice unless someone actually asks for it. Some people just need to vent. If you are unsure of what is being asked of you, then present the question, “How can I help?”

Keep an open mind while listening to others. You might think you know the point someone is trying to make, but a good listener does not jump to conclusions. When you allow the speaker to finish their thoughts first, you have a more definitive idea of the information they are sharing. Who knows, you might learn something new.

Don’t create distractions. The world is distracting enough. Multi-tasking may be advantageous to complete a project, but it is not representative of a good listener. You are not truly listening if you are texting, interrupting or looking for someone you know in a crowded room. If a conversation is going to be substantial, find a place where interruptions will be unlikely.

One of the most important aspects of listening is taking responsibility for being the receiver of information. When you are not clear on what is being said, or the intent of the speaker, it is your responsibility to clarify by asking questions. Every question is worthwhile if it allows a valuable communication to be shared.

Concentrate on trying each of these tips for a day and see what a good listener you are and where you can improve.

If we take the time, we all can think of things to be thankful for, but do we?

The more we express our gratitude, even to just ourselves, the better our attitude will be toward all circumstances in life. A recent article in Scientific American Mind, states that showing gratitude can increase your own happiness by as much as 25%.

When you open your eyes in the morning remember that there are those who thought they would receive the gift of a new day, but did not.

So many of us actually live in ABUNDANCE, but without the keen sense of gratitude that concept may not be clear. I look at what I consider basic needs to initiate my barometer of abundance. Take clean drinking water for instance. For most of us, when we are thirsty, we need only turn on the water in a sink to quench our thirst. Food is a basic need. Just think of how much food we throw away and waste while over 33 million people starve to death each year.

When you awaken to that precious new day, are you in a bed, with sheets, blankets and pillows? Did you have new pajamas to put on before you climbed in the night before? Did you even think about the security you have in your house or the fact that you have heat to keep you warm while you dream? Many of these comforts go unnoticed by us while others sleep in refugee tents for decades.

I have proclaimed this my year of gratitude. Every day I strive to remember all that is good in my life. When I take the time and intensify my senses, the gifts in life are overwhelming.

I challenge each of you to do some brain training and find all you have to be thankful for each day. The world will be a better place for each of our efforts.

More Gratitude = Better Attitude