“People depend on constant communication with others to keep their minds organised. We all need to think, but we mostly think by talking.”

Joran Peterson

Talking with others clears our thinking.

Do you ever find yourself stuck on something, but then it suddenly resolves itself while talking it out?

It wasn’t so much that the other person did anything special. It was like the act of talking and being heard by someone allowed you to piece together something you couldn’t quite do before.

I know many of us, especially introverts, love to stay home in our little worlds while avoiding too many social events. Much of today’s conversation is digital as that’s easier.

But it turns out we need to talk to others.

There is something special about reaching a breakthrough over a conversation in person.

Talking clears our thinking. We work through our ideas and beliefs and make sense of the world as we hash things out with others. We decide what is true and what is not. We identify obstacles and formulate strategies and a path forward.

By talking things out, we deal with what is important. We resolve our issues and put them to bed so we can move on with our lives.

But it’s not all just about talking here.

There also has to be a listener for this process to be effective.

It can often feel like we aren’t heard or understood in today’s busy and digital world.

So let’s recognise this need in others to be heard. Let’s be there for someone so they can make that breakthrough.

Reflection 

Tonight I will have a great conversation, with the focus of helping a friend work through an issue on their mind.

• Listen intently
• Refrain from giving advice
• Stay curious and ask questions