Are you having the right conversations? Maybe you and I are similar in that you love to converse with people. You enjoy communicating, connecting, and talking about the important and also the not so important things. Or maybe you prefer to only focus on the topics that matter and small talk is not your cup of tea? Wherever you sit on the spectrum of loving to converse, conversations are important. When you have aspirations in any aspect of your life and are intent on pursuing purpose, the right conversations are not only important but having the right conversations with the right people are a
necessity.
Who the people are that we can have the right conversations with are not only going to be unique for each of us, but they are also going to differ in the different seasons that we find ourselves in. I do believe, however, that there will be distinct outcomes or results that will demonstrate to us that we are in fact having the right conversation with the right people.
Firstly, the conversations inspire and teach us. They inspire us by sharing stories of what has happened, maybe in their own life, or the life of someone else. These stories may provide a pattern in which we can follow as we experience a renewed hope for change, hope for possibilities, and hope in our own capabilities. These conversations may also teach us some of the principles, or maybe that one action or mindset shift that served as a catalyst, as well as teaching us something about this beautiful human experience or nuggets from a specialised industry.
The right conversations with the right people also challenge us. Whilst for a few the word ‘challenge’ can feel negative or has always been understood in a conflicting context, it can, however, actually be really positive. To have our thinking, beliefs, mindset, and even actions positively challenged can be hugely helpful for growth. Some challenge happens directly, and others more indirectly, but either way we are left feeling like we need to turn the dial up in a particular area. Embrace the opportunity to be challenged in order to change.
Change is the third result of having the right conversations with the right people! I once heard it said that the only thing that will never change, is that there will always be change! Do you agree? Change is part of everyday life, and whilst some changes happen to us, welcomed or not, other times we can choose to change. This invitation to change, maybe just one aspect, happens during the right conversations. The right person can invite us to move one step away from the wrong direction and one step forward in the right direction, which many of us would benefit from.
Value is an important word, and we each live according to our value basis. What we value is the 
underlying factor for why we make certain decisions; from what we spend our money on, to who we follow on social media, what we listen to, and how we utilise the 168 hours we are gifted each and every week. The right conversations with the right people will be based on shared values or values that you aspire to live by. They won’t be meaningless and full of unnecessary small talk; instead, be meaningful and purposeful based on your own personal values.
Lastly, the final result, that I am going to mention today is affirmation. To be positively affirmed can provide a settled reassurance that you are okay, and also doing okay. In the midst of needing to grow and change, there is also a need to be affirmed. Sometimes we need to hear things about ourselves that maybe we did not know, or maybe we had forgotten, but the right person can be a healthy source to reflect and feedback some affirming truths. The critical voices are loud and we listen, but there is also value in listening to the affirming words of someone who has your best interests at heart.
These results or outcomes may not all be seen in every conversation, but be more present and ‘notice’ if one or more are, then you will know that you are having the right conversations with the right people that will support you to grow, achieve your goals, and live purposefully.
Have a fantastic week!
Francesca McDowall