Practice Well, Life Depends on It!

By Julie Isphording

Life is practice. Practice is life.

When we learn a new sport—like running, pickle ball, yoga or cycling, we consciously practice certain movements in a deliberate way, repeatedly. And guess what? We get good at it!

Our entire lives are just like this.

Each day, we repeat movements and patterns. We think of a large variety of thoughts, and we interact with plenty of people in so many ways.

Sometimes we don’t even think about it—or can’t remember it. Did you have something healthy for breakfast? Do you remember the last thing you said to your child? Did you rush through your day? What were you most thankful for today?

Whatever we are practicing—consciously or unconsciously—we get really good at it. Eating junky food, putting ourselves down, running five miles, reading inspiring books—after a continuous “diet” of these ‘good’ and ‘bad’ activities, they become habits without too much awareness.

What if we practiced the things that really mattered to us? It could be Pilates or patience. Writing or listening? Reading or talking? Resting or playing? Eating Reese Cups or an apple? Slowing down or being more spontaneous?

Or you might be completely happy with what you are practicing.

What are you practicing?

Why is it so hard for people to listen?

• Distractions.
  • Our world bombards us with distractions, from our smartphones and social media to the general hustle of daily life. These distractions can easily pull our attention away from the person speaking.
  • Internal distractions, such as our own thoughts, worries, and plans, can also make it hard to focus on what someone else is saying.

• Attention spans.
  • Our attention spans can be quite short, and it can be challenging to maintain focus. In addition, we process information much faster than people typically speak, which can lead to our minds wandering.

• Preconceived biases.
  • We all have our own beliefs, opinions, and biases, which can influence how we interpret what others say. Consequently, we may be so focused on our own point of view that we don’t truly listen to the other person’s perspective.

• Emotional factors.
  • Our emotions can also play a significant role in our ability to listen. If we’re feeling angry, defensive, or upset, it can be difficult to listen objectively.

• The desire to respond.
  • Often, we’re so eager to share our own experiences or opinions, which can prevent us from truly listening to the other person.

• Lack of practice.
  • Listening is a skill, and like any skill, it requires practice. Practice!

What are some questions you could ask to get to know someone or yourself?

• Given the choice of anyone in the world, who would you want as a dinner guest?
• Would you like to be famous? In what way?
• Before making a telephone call, do you ever rehearse what you are going to say? Why?
• What would constitute a “perfect” day for you?
• When did you last sing to yourself? To someone else?
• If you were able to live to the age of 90 and retain either the mind or body of a 30-year-old for the last 60 years of your life, which would you want?
• For what in your life do you feel most grateful?
• If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be?
• Is there something that you’ve dreamed of doing for a long time? Why haven’t you done it?
• What is the greatest accomplishment of your life?
• What do you value most in a friendship?
• What is your most treasured memory?
• What is your most terrible memory?
• What is your most embarrassing moment?
• If you knew that in one year, you would die suddenly, would you change anything about the way you are now living? Why?
• When did you last cry in front of another person? By yourself?
• Your house, containing everything you own, catches fire. After saving your loved ones and pets, you have time to safely make a final dash to save any one item. What would it be? Why?
• Of all the people in your family, whose death would you find most disturbing? Why?

What are the most significant things that people worry about all their lives?

• Financial Security:
  • This is a major source of stress. People worry about having enough money to cover basic needs, paying bills, saving for retirement, and handling unexpected expenses.

• Health:
  • Concerns about personal health and the health of loved ones are prevalent. This includes worries about illness, aging, and mortality.

• Relationships:
  • The desire for connection and belonging drives many anxieties. People worry about maintaining healthy relationships, finding love, and avoiding loneliness.

• Job Security/Career:
  • Worries about job stability, career progression, and finding fulfilling work are common throughout working life.

• Safety and Security:
  • This encompasses concerns about personal safety, the safety of loved ones, and the stability of the world around us. This can include worries about crime, natural disasters, and global events.

• The Future:
  • This is an extremely broad area, but many people worry about what the future holds for themselves, their children, and the world in general.

Worrying is a normal part of the human experience. However, when it becomes excessive or interferes with daily life, it’s essential to seek help.

­­­­­­­Olympian Julie Isphording is the director of the Western & Southern Thanksgiving Day Race, an author, and loves to keynote speak. Her talks on living a happy life include unforgettable props, lots of laughter, and a few tears. Write to her at julie.isphording@gmail.com.