One of the main reasons to get motivated to become a better listener is that people will often treat you the way you treat them. If they notice you actually spend time listening to what they have to say, they will provide you with the same respect and attention. So how do you go about getting motivated to be a better listener? Here are some tips you may find helpful:

• Write down how many times you are asked to recall something that another person has told you. It could be something simple like a birthday, weekend plans, etc. If you can't recall what this person said, you are not truly listening to them. This will cause you to become pretty embarrassed and it will hurt the feelings of the person you are talking to. This is a great reason to get yourself motivated to start becoming a better listener.


• Count how many disagreements or arguments you have with your partner and your loved ones. Are these disagreements caused from poor communication? Not listening from both parties can cause unnecessary headache for everyone in the family.


• How much does it bother you when people interrupt you when you are talking? People that interrupt others often come off seeming rude and inconsiderate of the other person. If you are trying to become a better person, interrupting everyone is not the way to do it. Pay attention to the story you friend is telling before you add your 2 cents.

Everyone deserves to have respect and attention given to them when it is their turn to talk. A good friend is able to recognize this and offers this to their friends. In return for their kind behavior, their friends will reciprocate this same behavior. Here are some tips that may help you become a better listener:

• Start giving your friends or loved ones your undivided attention. Turn off the TV, put down the book, and put away the cell phone and make eye contact with this person. Our body language plays a large role in the way we communicate to others. Do a few simple things like nodding or shaking your head to let your friend know you are paying attention to them. If you are able to give your friends body attention, they will think of you as a respectable person and think of you in a positive manner.


• Practice your listening ability at home in front of a mirror. Watch the way you react when you say things (even though you know they are coming). Do you nod or shake your head? How about giving yourself eye contact?


• Repeat a few things that your friend has said, this lets them know that you are truly listening to them.


• Watch your friend's body language and determine if they want your input or not. Sometimes people just want someone to talk to, they don't want advice. They just want you to listen to them and be their "punching bag" while they vent about their hard day.


• Provide empathy to your friend. You are there to be a non-judgmental party. Your only job is to listen to them and let them know you care about them. Don't offer advice unless they want it and know the type of situation you are dealing with before you blurt out what you are really thinking.