1. Effective Communication
Effective communication is two-fold. In order to be an effective communicator, you must be able to both listen and respond. This sounds like a simple goal to master, but it is so much more complicated than it seems.Effective listening requires going beyond hearing what somewhat else is saying. We have a tendency to listen to others while focusing our thoughts on what we are going to say in response to them.
This tends to lead to a rather distracted version of listening. Experts say that in order to become an effective listener, we must learn to listen to understand. According to Psychology Today, only around 10% of people of are effective listeners. This is an extremely underwhelming number. In fact, the divisive state of political issues could likely be somewhat attributed to our societies inability to effectively listen. Therefore, one of the most valuable skills one can attain is to become an effective communicator. If everyone could work on their ability to communicate better, our world would run just a little bit smoother.
2. Patience
The old adage “good things come to those who wait” might be a little bit cliché, but the saying hits home as an important life skill. Practicing patience requires a concerted effort to push impulsive thoughts to the back burner. Patience makes you a better employee. People who are able to develop patience tend to be better employees because they handle stressful situations better than others. Patience creates better relationships. Patient people understand that true connection takes time. People who have a good bit of patience tend to have deeper, more meaningful relationships with friends, colleagues, and significant others.
3. Grit
People who are exceptionally talented tend to lack this important life skill. Success comes easy to them; they do not have to work for it. The rest of the population has to develop some grit in order to see the same kind of success. The best advice that can be given for developing grit is simple. Never give up on your dreams. If you find yourself at a dead end, pick yourself back up and climb back to the top.
People who have experienced and overcome setbacks are far more interesting than those who seem to have been given every opportunity that they get for no other reason than their talent.
4. Empathy
Empathy is an extremely important life skill. Through empathy, we become better communicators and more effective friends and leaders.
Empathy refers to the ability to understand another person’s perspective, experiences, or plights. Developing empathy takes time, but it can be done through conscious efforts to remain mindful of other perspectives during interactions.
5. Awareness
It is not a secret that years of being immersed in technology have challenged the average person’s ability to concentrate. Being aware of our surroundings, of the people with whom we interact, of the world around us in general has become more complicated with the increased presence of technology. Yet awareness remains an essential life skill that every adult should attempt to master. One method for reducing distractions and gaining awareness is the practice of mindfulness. Mindfulness, according to the Mayo Clinic can reduce all of the following symptoms:
- Stress
- Hypertension
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Pain
Mindfulness is commonly believed to be achieved through various types of meditation. Although, this can be as simple or as complicated as you want to make it. The first place to start is by simply paying attention to your surroundings. Turn off your radio on your morning commute and make a conscious choice to focus all of your attention on your surroundings.
This simple daily practice can give you all of the benefits of mindfulness and can significantly increase your ability be aware of the world around you.