Avoiding Conversations Almost Ended my UX/UI Career
Mastering communication is essential for building stronger relationships, boosting confidence, enhancing negotiation skills, and creating valuable networking opportunities.
Stress may take two to three years off of your lifespan, so those people who have anxiety or stress over communicating with others may not only be risking their health but limiting themselves for growth and opportunities. But have you ever considered the personal growth of facing them head-on?
Mastering the ability to break through your introverted side when it’s most important will take you far in your career and personal life. When designing your perfect life, do you imagine yourself cowering from networking or conversing with strangers?
If this rings a bell for you in any way and you want to improve your conversation skills, networking, or even talking to girls (boys, too, but I’m not an expert there), then let’s talk about the importance of facing conversation head-on, and what you can do to grow because this community is all about designing and achieving that dream life.
Why is Communication Important
There is a long list of reasons why being a skilled conversationalist is essential. Communication skills are critical if you want to be the best version of yourself and be successful. Increasing this skill can boost your income, gain powerful friends, and build a better understanding of others and yourself.
Essential reasons for improving your communication skills:
Stronger relationships: The better you are at communicating, the more you can grow, communicate on a deeper level, and understand the people closest to you.
Confidence boost: Confidence is power. The more you build this, the more women (or men) will notice you and your career will follow you on your way up.
Expert negotiator: This skill will give your clients higher pay and more.
Networking opportunities: Your network is invaluable. It will help you find work, friends, possibly love, and more.
In the book Crucial Conversations, there is a key point I remember. The longer you postpone a crucial conversation, the worse it will get. Whether to postpone that conversation later or skip it altogether, delaying these conversations can lead to festering issues, damaged relationships, and missed growth opportunities. That is why you need to face conversations head-on, and I always suggest trying to talk to a random person whenever you are out and about. Even if it’s a sweet old lady at the grocery store, we all start somewhere.
How to Keep Conversations Going
Speaking to old ladies at the grocery store is just a start to keep conversations flowing and an intelligent tip I read in a Medium article somewhere. Pick something just outside of your comfort zone to make the task tangible, and make it a priority to do that one thing during your week.
Try this conversation formula:
Recognize the importance of communication and holding quality conversations to improve your communication skills.
Prepare yourself by setting a goal(s), practicing active listening, and, if necessary, choosing a more comfortable place.
Start with a positive attitude. Focus on the issue if one exists, and depending on the conversation, express your concerns without blaming them.
Give the person your full attention. Avoid interrupting them even when you’re excited, and ask follow-up questions to show you are engaged.
Practice makes perfect. Start small, gradually work your way to more challenging scenarios, and ask for feedback from your peers. Feedback is crucial for improving anything in life.
Introverts with Anxiety: This is for You
Being an introvert, having social anxiety, or simply not taking action out of laziness will slowly kill you. If you avoid conversations with everyone on Earth, do you start to wonder what you are missing out on?
You are missing out on more money, a healthier mindset, love, you name it. The best way to do the seemingly impossible things is to break them down into tiny slivers of tasks so they are all more manageable.
I only say all of this out of my own experience. It took me leaving an awful relationship, caring for myself, working on the goals I put off for years, and the confidence starting to come. I would avoid conversations and still feel alone in a crowded room. All of this led me to my dream career as a designer, and since I made it into this career, I know I have the freedom to get out of the house and work from a coffee shop for the day to be around people. If conversation crosses my path, I’m there to face it head-on. The person I was in 2020 is nothing like the one of 2024.
Tired of the 9-5 and want to join the freelance life? Try starting a career in design! Check out my handbook by clicking the link below!
Introverts: Here is my challenge to you for the upcoming week!
Conclusion
Mastering communication is a powerful tool that transforms both personal and professional life. Facing conversations directly — especially those that may feel uncomfortable — is essential for building stronger relationships, boosting confidence, enhancing negotiation skills, and creating valuable networking opportunities.
Small steps, such as casual conversations or mindful listening, can lead to lasting progress for those who feel anxious or introverted. Making progress builds confidence and pushes you to want to do more because you will start to see benefits.
Remember, the journey to becoming a skilled conversationalist is ongoing but invaluable. By hugging onto this growth, you’re designing a fulfilling life and opening doors to new opportunities.
Join the Design Your Life community to continue this journey together, building yourself into the best person you can be for a life that aligns with your goals.
Sources
National Institute for Health and Welfare. “Heavy stress and lifestyle can predict how long we live.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 11 March 2020. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/03/200311100857.htm>.