Tip: Be receptive…on steroids!
This may be the most difficult Tip you have ever read. I would recommend setting aside three minutes of uninterrupted time to read through this Tip and process what I am about to say. It is one of the most important concepts I have ever learned in my life, and I must admit that it is a hard pill to swallow! Really hard!
What I mean by being “receptive on steroids” is being open-minded enough to listen to what other people are telling you. I am not saying that you must immediately do what they say or even believe what they say. I am simply asking you to be 100% open when listening to what someone else is saying to you without interrupting them or dismissing what they have to say.
I believe that most people who are reading this Tip consider themselves to be the kind of person who wants to learn and grow. You believe you are open-minded and receptive to new ideas. No, you are not! I do not mean to be unkind or difficult; I am just saying this is a huge blind spot from which we all suffer.
We all have a natural, built-in defense mechanism set up to protect us from any information which includes unsolicited advice from others. I cannot tell you how often I encounter it whenever I am trying to gently insert some information that I believe would be helpful to someone. The immediate response I get is, “Oh, I’ve already done that.” Or “I’ve already thought about that.” Or “I was just getting ready to do that.” Or “I’ve already taken care of that.” That is when I wonder, “If that were the case, then why in the world would I be telling you this at this moment?” Their response lets me know that they are not receptive on steroids. In fact, they are barely receptive at all.
You can see this at work in marriage, with children, and in the business world as well. Almost everyone you know, including you, has a built-up wall that basically says, “I don’t want anyone to tell me anything.” Now, I realize that this is a huge pill to swallow and that you may disagree with me on this issue, but I decided over twenty-five years ago that I would quit trying to be “right” and would work on being “happy and cooperative”. It has not been a perfect journey, but it has been a much better journey than it would have been had I not decided to be “receptive on steroids”.
Your assignment this week is to listen and be receptive when someone is trying to tell you something. Rather than use any of the tired excuses I mentioned above, politely smile and thank them for their input. Remember to let them completely finish speaking before you say a word. Sincerely nod you head “yes”. Let them know that you appreciate them taking the time to share their thoughts, or comments, or concept with you. I have discovered that the more you do that, the more other people will feel “safe” in your presence. And who knows? You may gain some incredible insight in the process!
This Tip is not for little children. It is for mature adults who want to take their relationships and their opportunities in life to a whole new level. Any push-back you may feel regarding this Tip is an indication of your level of receptivity. I hope you will at least give it a chance to “seep in” and allow this concept to help you become a brand-new person. You can become receptive on steroids! You will be the winner for it. That is my hope and desire in sharing this golden nugget Tip with you this week!
Tip: Be receptive…on steroids!
Have a great week! God bless you!
Dr. Robert A. Rohm
