The Listening Algorithm

Install algorithms that optimize relationships!

If you're a human being, then you've undoubtedly had situations where you've found yourself lost in thought or immersed in a task that has captivated you to the point in which you've completely tuned out your surroundings. No matter how intense the background noise gets, you are simply in a zone! That is, until a loved one, co-worker, or even a complete stranger addresses you directly and abruptly breaks your concentration right when you're about to have that "Eureka!" moment. You start thinking about yourself, the progress you were making, the pending celebration for solving a tough problem, etc. You feel like you were robbed! If your principles, priorities, and purpose vary depending on the situation you're in, then this frustration can be a recurring theme and make you appear unapproachable to others. Not the impression you want to give to the people you love or to the people whom you collaborate with professionally. "It's easier to hold your principles 100% of the time than it is to hold them 98% of the time." - Clayton Christensen Decide on your principles, priorities, and purpose. Keep them at the forefront of your mind. Write an IF...THEN algorithm and decide how you'll handle interruptions going forward and devote yourself to following your protocol. The Listening Algorithm IF someone_I_want_to_connect_with = speaking THEN listen The Fact Of The Matter Is The fact of the matter is that you've already been interrupted. Getting upset or brushing it off until later just causes most people to ruminate. Rumination kills productivity & focus even more. Consider abandoning your resistance to the interruption and the interruptor. It's already happened and that cannot be changed. A human being is awaiting your participation in establishing a social connection. Go for it! Be the kind of person who craves connecting with others. Make THAT your principle, your priority, or your purpose and you'll have a whole new perspective on interruptions. Congratulations, you're 1% better today than you were yesterday! #StoicAdvice #2Xin70 #Algorithms