Keep a Listening Journal

If you focus on listening, you are going to hear scores of new things. In fact, I've found that without keeping a journal, I would lose many of the ideas, truths, and lessons learned because so much stuff comes at me each day. 

So, instead of trying to keep it all straight in my head, I keep a journal. This journal is as good as gold because I write down every kind of conversation imaginable: conversations with my insurance company regarding a bill, conversations with my kids, and yes, conversations with myself. I also note when I've heard someone say something important on the radio, at work, and on the street.

How long does it take to keep this journal updated? Between 5 - 10 minutes a day. I usually don't write down every word, just summaries, key ideas, quotes, song lyrics...

By writing it down I'm able to chronicle my exploits in listening, and I'm able to relisten at a later time. In fact, my journal helps me re-listen not just once, but at least three times. Here's my proverb:

Listen once - you learn many things.

Listen twice - you apply many things.

Listen thrice - you grow wise at many things.

Let me recommend that you too adopt a listening journal practice - and you listen three times. It will move your listening to a whole new level, and you will never hear the same.