Things I learned by shutting up for a week

I decided to shut up for a week. Not completely—I still had to work and function. But I stopped offering unsolicited advice. I stopped trying to fix everyone's problems. I stopped talking just to fill the silence.

Here's what I learned:

People Don't Want Your Advice

Most of the time, when people tell you about their problems, they don't want solutions. They want to be heard. They want to feel understood.

By shutting up and just listening, I became more helpful than I ever was when I was talking.

Silence Is Powerful

In a world where everyone is talking, silence stands out. When you're not constantly filling the air with words, people pay attention when you do speak.

Your words become more valuable when they're not constantly flowing.

You Learn More When You Listen

When you're not busy thinking about what you're going to say next, you actually hear what people are saying. You pick up on things you would have missed.

You understand people better. You understand situations better. You understand yourself better.

Try it. Shut up for a day. See what happens.