Minutia Or Message?

How a small detail can derail a conversation. Find out more in this mini podcast.

 Grasshopper Notes are the writings from America's Best Known Hypnotherapist John Morgan. His podcasts contain his most responded to essays and blog posts from the past two decades. 

Find the written versions of these podcasts on John's podcasting site: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1628038

"The Grasshopper" is the part of you that whispers pearls of wisdom that  seem to pop into your mind from out of the blue. John's essays and blog posts are his interpretations of these "Nips of Nectar." Others have labeled his writings as timeless wisdom. 

Most of the John's writings revolve around self improvement and self help. They address topics like:

• Mindfulness
• Peace of mind
• Creativity
• How to stay in the present moment
• Spirituality
• Behavior improvement

And stories that transform you to a wider sense of awareness that presents more options. And isn't that what we all want, more options? 

John uploads these podcasts on a regular basis. So check back often to hear these podcasts heard around the world. Who wants to be the next person to change? 

Make sure to order a copy of John's new book: WISDOM OF THE GRASSHOPPER – 21 Days to Creativity. These mini-meditations take you inside where all your creative resources live. And you'll come out not only refreshed but recommitted to creating your future. 

It's only $16.95 and available at BLURB.COM at the link below. https://www.blurb.com/b/10239673-wisd...

Also, download John's FREE book INTER RUPTION: The Magic Key To Lasting Change. It's available at John's website  https://GrasshopperNotes.com

Transcript

Minutia Or Message?

How often do we get so wrapped up in the minutia that we miss the actual message?

I’ll admit it — I’ve been one of the worst offenders. I used to be a full-on pronunciation snob. Maybe it was my broadcasting background. Maybe it was my mother — who could go toe-to-toe with Mrs. Malaprop when it came to mangling words.

She once described a coworker who hurt his back and came back part-time as “working spasmodically.”And she bought this beautiful ceramic tureen and proudly called it her “soup latrine.”

Of course, I’d correct her. And of course, it never worked. One day she finally got fed up and said, “Do you understand what I’m saying?”

And the truth was . . . I did. I knew exactly what she meant. I just got caught up in the minutia.

When you get sidetracked by the little stuff, you can derail the communication completely. You start focusing on what doesn’t matter.

If you’re correcting a broadcaster who says “awry” as AWE-ree, that’s part of the job. But being the self-appointed world champion of pronunciation? That’s something else.

It doesn’t mean you stop noticing things. Just notice when it’s not going to make a difference — and maybe resist the urge to shove your correction down someone’s throat.

And this goes way beyond pronunciation. If you secretly look down on people who aren’t well-educated, you’ll get caught up in “knowing better” and miss what they know. Everybody has a piece of the puzzle you don’t have — but you’ll never get it if you stop listening.

Sure, it’s fun to notice mistakes. But when the whole conversation becomes about the flaws instead of the substance, we’re rolling around in the minutia. Translation: dog shit.

So next time you feel the urge to show someone how superior you are, take a second and ask yourself if it actually matters. It'll keep the conversation flowing — and keep you smelling better.

All the best,

John