5 Steps to Better Communication

As you continue building healthy habits, you may need to negotiate for time, space, or other sorts of support. Perhaps you need your partner to take over childcare so you can go for a run. Maybe you need a coworker to take the lead on a project because you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Other people—whether family members, friends, or coworkers—can’t read your mind or necessarily know what will help you. Instead, they need you to share your thoughts, ideas, and feelings clearly and honestly.

Mindful communication is a skill you can develop to improve your exchanges and connections with others. Although being mindful is an individual quality, focusing on mindfulness can improve interpersonal relationships and even how well workplace teams function.

The Vida view

Here are five steps to help you communicate mindfully. Consider using these when a situation requires some “give and take.”

1. Compliment. Consider starting with a positive comment to the other person.
2. Keep it positive. Don’t add ifs, ands, or buts—these can overshadow a positive start.
3. Offer options. Provide at least two options. Strive for options that benefit both of you, whether that benefit happens now or later. You’ll help the other party feel empowered by offering more than one choice. But two options is probably plenty. It’s equally important to not overwhelm with too many choices.
4. Seek opinion. Ask the other person their thoughts about the options. This way, they feel some ownership of the solution. When you show someone that you care about their opinion, they are more likely to be more open to what you have to say.
5. Listen and reflect. Repeat your understanding of what the other person said. This will help to clear up any potential conflict from something being misunderstood, and it will allow for a more open conversation.

What next?

Eager for more ways to be mindful in daily life? Ask your Vida coach or therapist for additional practices that can help you grow your focus and skills.