51.  Be a Better Listener

Just like resolution # 50, this one has taken time.  Often, it's been so long since I have had time to catch up with someone, that once we sit down, we spend the whole dinner or drinks session catching up.  Our talking fills the time we have together, and it feels like a whirlwind.  I wanted to be intentional about trying to be a better listener during these times and with my students.  This one turned out to be an easy shift as far as figuring out the "how."  At first, I just tried to listen all the way through until there seemed to be a natural pause.  Then, it became a little more natural.  I've just tried to think for more than a second when I feel like I have a response.  Because my job is advising, it's hard for me not to want to help solve something.  I just needed to remember that not everyone wants a solution, but sometimes they just want someone to listen.  It's made me much better at my job and much more intentional when I do offer advice.