I have a little challenge for you…  Are you ready?

1.       For one week do not “one up” someone.  If someone has a good or bad experience, simply listen.  You can not answer with a comparing situation that happened in your life.  You must answer with a Positive remark.

2.       For one week you cannot complain about anything.  You can discuss a situation only if you have a solution or are searching for a solution.

3.       For one week if someone tells you they are angry, you must respond positively.  You must have a positive response for every negative remark or comment made to you, or you just listen.

My personal results:  I have learned to listen more.  I find myself attempting to think more about what I say.  I take longer to respond.  I am attempting to be proactive instead of reactive.  I have not successfully met this challenge for a full week yet, I am trying.  Please accept this challenge then let me know how you do.

In my year as President, this exercise helped me understand and listen to our members and my clients.  I hope it does the same for you…

Angela K. Ridley, Real Estate Counselor