I have been struggling with Active Listening all quarter.  I have been very conscious about "turning it on" but felt I consistently asked close ended questions and interrupted with a lot of clarifying questions .   I feel I have been successful at not speaking autobiographically but still listen autobiographically.  For example, I would hear my thoughts go, "Oh yeah, my family is from Hawaii as well.  I know exactly what you are talking about" and while I wouldn't respond this way,  this kind of thought would affect my way of engaging and bring me into a knowing mindset.

After my last coaching call with Nathanael while practicing Active Listening, he called me out my perseverating about my short comings as a drive for attention and focus on me while the reality was there were several things I was doing well.  My intention, my curiosity is genuine and intact even when I stumble on the methods a bit.  He advised to stay focused on the intention and keep practicing (and stop being so dramatic and hard on myself).

As he pointed out a saying from his mom, "The is a difference between trying and doing your best".

I'm doing my best and looking forward to getting better.

-tony