A Simple Question to Ask Before You Begin... Anything

#MindfulCommunication, #ExpectationAlignment, #PurposefulConversations

WHAT AM I TRYING TO GET OUT OF THIS?

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself, "What am I trying to get out of this?" before starting a conversation or engaging in an activity? Surprisingly, many of us don't, and that can lead to confusion, frustration, and wasted time.

Too often, we find ourselves in situations where we're just talking, waiting for our turn to speak, and hoping that we're making a good point. But, are we truly making a coherent argument or contributing meaningfully to the discussion? How many times have you wondered, "What am I even talking about?" or "What point am I trying to make?"

Recently, I experienced two significant epiphanies following a passionate conversation that left me feeling unfulfilled and unheard. It became clear that our expectations were misaligned, and this was the root of our dissatisfaction.

In hindsight, I realized that I had made assumptions about each person's understanding of the task at hand. As a result, we approached the work with different expectations and end goals, which led to a misalignment that left everyone emotionally drained. The work was completed, but the experience left us all wanting to avoid similar situations in the future.

Rather than asking ourselves, "How can I avoid work like that in the future?", we should be asking, "What did I get out of that?" To ensure more satisfying outcomes, it's essential to reflect on our expectations and desired results before diving into any conversation or project.

So, the next time you find yourself in a situation where you're about to engage with others, pause for a moment and ask yourself, "What am I trying to get out of this?" This simple question can help align expectations and pave the way for more meaningful connections and fruitful results.

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