Why doesn’t this person listen to me?
Why doesn’t he understand my point of view?
Why isn’t she convinced?
It’s simple, really.
You only control yourself.
We can be as logical as we want.
As emotional as we want.
As inspiring as we want.
But, ultimately, we only control ourselves.
You can affect others.
Correction: you affect others.
All-day, every day.
The way you communicate.
The way you think.
The way you act.
You’re bringing awareness.
Showing an alternative.
Planting seeds.
That may or may not sprout.
One day.
You can increase your influence.
Your impact on others.
Listening over speaking.
Empathy over self-absorption.
Understanding their point of view over communicating your own.
Communicating at a level that is understandable to the other.
The other over yourself.
But, ultimately, we only control ourselves.
Our thoughts.
Our emotions.
Our actions.
I control mine.
You control yours.
Understand that first.
Understand another second.
Polish your ability to communicate third.
Have a kind heart and care for others.
That’s not fourth.
That’s a prerequisite of effective communication.
Or perhaps of life itself.
It’s simple, really.