Please talk a bit less (about yourself)!


Winter is coming! Depending on where you live, you either had your time change last weekend, or you'll have it soon. Am I the only one who wants to go to bed at 6pm this time of year?

Last week I spent some time around someone who talked a lot. I love conversation, and my husband and I both talk a LOT. This person, though, stood out because they only talked about themselves. I'm a curious person and love to know people's backgrounds and stories, but I found myself honestly not even caring, which didn't feel good. Have you ever had a chat with someone who didn't ask you anything at all? Within minutes you can get the impression that they don't care. I felt like I could have walked away and they wouldn't even notice I'd left.

Why ask questions of others?

Asking questions builds connections with others. When you ask someone else a question, you show that you care enough to stop talking and actually listen to what they have to say. People love being asked about themselves! And it can be fascinating to learn about what makes other people tick, and why they feel the way they do.

What about asking ourselves questions?

It's not one-sided. We can and should ask ourselves questions as well. Asking things like, “Am I doing this because I want to, or because I think I have to?” can be as enlightening as it is uncomfortable. Or questions like, "Do I even like this job?", or "Am I happy in this relationship?" can feel scary to ask. But self-questioning can save you from going along on autopilot, and can lead to some positive changes.

As a Certified Life Coach, I’m here to help you get comfortable with your curiosity and turn what can be scary questions into real life changes!

Bethany Ward Life Coaching

I'm a Certified Life Coach and athlete, who loves to talk about personal development and work/life relationships. I help my clients embrace change with courage and determination. Subscribe to my newsletter to get helpful ways to improve mindset, and turn challenges into successes.

Read more from Bethany Ward Life Coaching

Last year we redid our guest bedroom. I had visions of a blissful hotel room, always looking perfect and welcoming. You can probably guess what’s next . . You know the clean laundry pile? The one that starts as a neat little stack you promise to yourself you’ll put away later, but somehow by the end of the week, it’s turned into a mountain of clothes you’re now dreading to tackle? That’s what’s usually sitting on our hotel-like bed in our welcoming guest room. Our thoughts and feelings can...

The other weekend I completed my 4th Iron-distance triathlon, Ironman Austria. I was prepared. I’d done the training, felt rested, fuelled and strong. But as anyone who’s pursued a big goal knows (either in sport or life), sometimes the day has other plans. So what happened? Click here to read more. Sport and life ask us the same things. Whatever you’re aiming for right now, a big career change, a personal goal, a relationship shift, chances are, you’re going to hit a stretch where it’s...

Have you noticed how common it is these days to type out frustration online? To share the things that annoy us, disappoint us, or make us feel unseen, often without naming names, and definitely without inviting a response? Venting has its place. I’ve been thinking about the difference between broadcasting and connecting. Change doesn’t happen in the comments section of social media. The next time you’re tempted to post a cryptic message on social media, please stop and think. Change and...