OK, OK, I learned my lesson. I learned my lesson, OK! I will now always take Part 1 before Part 2. However much it works with my schedule, however much I tell myself it doesn’t matter - it does. AND I will ALWAYS read the module before class. I’ve been so lax/forgetful with that, and I know that if I DID read the module before taking Power Listening Part 2 on Saturday I would have felt much better about the class.

Jim was great today, and addressed all of my questions and concerns about Power Listening: how to be a Power Listener, how to take notes & power listen simultaneously (jot your note quick and then continue to listen; or just be the best listener your client has ever met and let go of the fear of having to “prove yourself” - often just listening is enough). I know that I walked away from this class with the tools of how to both effectively, powerfully listen as well as how to show that I’m listening. The hardest part for me is twofold: to not be worried about what I’m going to say/not allow myself to jump in, and to allow the silence to be OK (they suggest you wait ten seconds when the client has stopped speaking to speak again, but that seems excessive!).  I focused on this when I was doing sales but never really got it.  I think that’s really difficult for extroverts that always want to be the center of attention!

The UACs still allude me a little but. Even after reading the module, I’m not quite clear as to how to find them and exactly what it accomplishes.  I’m going to ask Joanne if we can focus on this over the next week or two to help find my UACs, and that might shed some light on it for me. I think that a UAC that I know I have has to do with my spending. I’m so motivated to pay off my debt and save money, but when push comes to shove I find it extremely difficult to live within my budget and….well….don’t. I know that the UAC that I have that underlies this goal is that I don’t want my social life to suffer. If I don’t have class or prior plans, it’s extremely difficult for me to pass up that Happy Hour, or that party, or that day apple picking, to keep $40 in my pocket. I’m not sure how to get myself pass that hump.

Hmmmmm…..maybe I do know what a UAC is after all!

Today I am grateful for my life. I was walking home from the subway today at that perfect time of day - what do filmmakers call it again? - where your surroundings are crisp and clear and in focus, and the lighting is just perfect. And I took a deep breath since it finally feels like fall, and I thought, “Hey, this isn’t a bad way to live.” To be in NYC, to be in love, to be in a good job and pursuing my passion, to have my health and an amazing group of friends and family, it’s what the word “grateful” is all abut.