The most interesting place a ratio affects us in our everyday lives is not the 2:1 calcium/magnesium ratio of our vitamin we should be taking each day.. though, we should be taking that each day…
But this is even more important.
Two ears, one mouth.
It definitely is cliche and kind of annoying to hear, but so is eat your vegetables.
Some would argue the secrets to a great life are hidden in every annoying cliche you choose to ignore. This cliche is one the world certainly needs to pay more attention to. I don't say this with any arrogance, it's not a suggestion from me.
The quote "We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak." is attributed to Epictetus who died in 135 AD... amazingly he didn't have keeping up with the Kardashians, 24 hour news, or basically any of the nonsense we do today.. but still even he knew then, we needed to listen more, and speak less. Which I guess isn't all that surprising, after all history repeats itself. And those who do not learn form history are doomed to repeat it.
It’s hard not to blurt out every thought or idea that comes to mind. Especially when people are so willing to give out compliments for something as trivial as a thought. But practice some restraint. Delay gratification. Any comfort you get from what you say is 10x’d if you can hold back your words, and take action to make your thought a reality. Besides, actions speak louder than words.
Don’t wait to implement this tactic. Start today, start now.. see how long you can go without saying a word. Listen more to what others are saying and when you have to speak, be brief. It will take practice to get used to this. Its a labor of love, so get started as soon as possible. There is no time like the present.
I don’t want to be hypocrite myself, ironically this post makes me seem all talk and no action. So I’ll refrain from adding insult to injury, or beating a dead horse..
Next time you feel urged to speak, remember.. everything in moderation.
Finally, for what it’s worth..
I’ll end with a word to the wise..
When asked in an interview, What’s the one skill you feel everyone should have or practice more?
Mike Rowe responded,
Two ears, One mouth..
If you knew you only got to say half of what you normally say, you would probably be a bit more careful about what comes out of your head..
and If everybody listened twice as much as they spoke.
I have to think the world would be a lot less noisy.
*This posts Cliche count = 15
Learn more on this:
Blog: We have two ears, one mouth for a reason
Article: Why to listen more and talk less
Video: 5 ways to listen better
Video: The power of listening