This is the New Super Power
Difficult Conversations |
Yesterday I was having a great discussion with one of my students about the art of difficult conversations. The topic revolved around how many people (and organizations) avoid having them. (Much to their detriment.) Let’s face it, difficult conversations have always been, well… Difficult! So, it’s no wonder why people have a hard time with them. Compile that with our modern technology that has almost reinvented the way we communicate with one another and you have the recipe for making mountains out of molehills and causing a lot of stress due to miss or non-communication altogether. Yes it’s no huge mystery that… |
In Today’s Fast-Paced World… |
People are finding it increasingly difficult to engage in these tough conversations. (Let me get academic here a second…) A 2023 study by the Pew Research Center found that 54% of Americans avoid discussing sensitive topics, fearing confrontation. (I’d say even higher… If I had a dollar for every time I hear of someone just getting ghosted…) Social media and instant messaging platforms have made this problem much worse by encouraging quick, shallow interactions rather than deep, meaningful connections. The rise in anxiety and depression, which has doubled since 2019 (according to the WHO), also hinders people's ability to face difficult conversations. (Chicken and the egg if you ask me!) Building interpersonal skills, confidence, and courage can remedy this… |
Gone Are the Days… |
When at a young age we were forced through necessity (and our parents=) to interact with people on a more personal and direct way. I remember my parents making me have difficult conversations face to face or on the phone. When was the last time you saw a parent grab their child's face, forcing them to look at them in the eye when they thought they were being lied to! I remember my folks insisting that I break up with my girl friends IN PERSON! It was the norm that parents forced us to make up with our best friends or admit when we did something wrong face to face in a difficult conversation. Or how about this one?! Getting the courage to ask someone out and being turned down. No swiping left (or whatever), oh no, this was done old school and in person! There was nothing buffering your feelings. You had nowhere to hide. You had to stand there and face it head on. It was horrifying! But you know what?! You didn’t die. You survived. And you were better because of it. These early tough conversations were practice for us, so later in life when we had to have other, larger discussions we had some practice. We don’t have that as much now. |
So, How Then?! |
Things like active listening, empathy, and assertiveness hold the keys to this super power! (And make no mistake, it IS a super power!) This is one of the benefits of Physical Defense Training. Research by the University of Oxford highlights how martial arts can reduce social anxiety, promote self-awareness, and build confidence, making it easier to face uncomfortable situations head-on. Through discipline and mindfulness, participants develop emotional resilience, aiding in navigating difficult conversations with more ease and understanding. The confidence you gain from physical training directly corresponds to your ability to communicate more effectively, be less stressed and more confident in every area in your life. |
It’s Like This… |
Aside from our health, our largest resource is our relationships (including ourselves). Those relationships are with people and with people comes conflict. Your ability to handle conflict in a healthy way is instrumental in your wellbeing, success and fulfillment in your Life. Don’t f it up! When you train in the right way you really do gain a Super Power! |
Put On Your Cape! |
Transforming your operating system into something that will help you to live a more powerful and courageous Life is simple. The next step is for you to join PeaceWalker Connect. It’s our free network away from the prying eyes of trolls and big tech. You’ll get greater access to me, our community and courses. Start reprogramming yourself for success! https://peacewalker.mn.co/ |
Keep Going, ~Craig |
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