Week of March 1-7 Question 3

In this chapter I got a lot out of is improving retention. I thought about how the reading looked at making a conscious effort to tell yourself to stay focused and divert yourself to be focused on what is present. An example would be this very moment as I write about improving retention my mind as and can easily wonder about other homework, what I have going on tomorrow, and my plans for next week.
I liked the advice of the book when they talked about having a clear and purpose in mind upon entering a listening situation. This is very similar to goal setting in our everyday lives. In each instance that is required for myself to understand what I am listening for and what the purpose of this interaction is about then it actually frees up my thoughts and allows myself to get something out of the interaction. My purpose for listening to a speech on budgets for my work requires a different purpose of listening to my friend talk about the Sharks or the A's.
By listening for understanding can free myself from making too many prejudgements while someone is talking. I think our society is an individual and at times selfish society. Most of our life is totally geared toward our own personal benefit. This kind of attitude leaks into our ability to listen. People seem to have a growing problem in thinking about what they are going to say next instead of listening to what the person is saying. An example of this is listening to the rapid fire news shows that happen everyday. People argue without hearing what they even have to say. Active listening and retention could help our interaction a daily basis.