The ability to stay in-tune with your environment will ensure that you are always prepared and able to consistently perform at a high level.
In a separate post I made about HIIT workouts, I mentioned Joe Wicks, a.k.a. The Body Coach. This guy has a ton of great workout videos but he also started a podcast that I’ve started to listen to a bit. James Bay, an amazing singer/songwriter, was a guest on one of Joe’s episodes. Listen the whole thing HERE.
There Are No Overnight Successes…Not Many That Last at Least
There were a few different things that caught my ear as I listened to James talk about his success and journey. One thing that both he and Joe talked about was that there is very rarely such a thing as “overnight success.” Both of these gentlemen worked extremely hard for years to get where they are today, though some may have thought otherwise.
James started in on playing bar gigs when he was a teenager, which is where his career really started. He mentions on the podcast that it was playing these gigs that allowed him to start becoming in tune with the audience. While playing, he would notice that some patrons in the bar would be paying attention during his verses but then lose interest while he sang the chorus. James would take this feedback home, work on his choruses and try again until he could win over the audience throughout his whole songs.
Here’s one of my favorite James Bay songs, “Peer Pressure” ft. Julia Michaels:
Stay In-Tune With Your Environment to Hone Your Craft
It’s moments like James listening to and watching his audience that an artist, or anyone, can start to hone their craft. Your craft is anything you want it to be – writing music, being a spouse/parent/friend, getting in shape, performing better at work, etc. Regardless of what you’re trying to be better at, be open to the feedback your environment is giving you. Take it in, process it and adjust your approach if needed.
Continued refinement will allow for continued growth.
Your environment is always speaking to you.
Many times, it will be direct and you just need to listen up:
- Your boss may tell you that a recent project did not go well and specific things need to change.
- You may find that your spouse is upset with you and it comes out in a not-so-subtle way.
- Your two-year old may tell you straight up that you’re being mean and it’s hurting her feelings.
Other times, it may seem like things are going just fine and there is no need for a heightened sense of awareness. However, it’s just as important to listen up during these times to make sure that you continue to perform well at work or be the best you can be on the home front:
- Read between the lines in all emails from your boss and/or colleagues before anything substantial happens, good or bad. Always be prepared and proactively look for ways you can continue to deliver at a high level.
- Listen to your spouse and family every day. Not just listening in the background while you’re watching the game. Real Level 2 Listening.
Level 2 Listening
Here are some takeaways on what Level 2 Listening is from the Better Manager site:
- Focusing on the other person.
- Listening for what someone is saying beneath their words.
- Being fully present.
- Listening with curiosity.
- Reflecting.
- Ensuring people feel heard.
Always Keep Your Eyes and Ears Open
Being fully present at all times is at the heart of this message. It’s not something you’ll be good at all the time, no one is. But, it’s something you can practice and get better at. Try it in short doses and see how it goes. You might just find that your performance and relationships on the home and work fronts start to improve little by little.
Listen up and good luck!