slow down and get to know someone in a new way

We race through the days and nights in search of the finish line--sometimes forgetting to stop and see what's all around us. Here are 3 easy steps to slow down and get to know someone in a new way.

1. find someone new
We all have our go-to people. We eat lunch with the same group, call the same friend, collaborate with the same colleague...we get in a rut. There are tons of people all around that we don't typically take the time to notice. Set your sights on someone new and decide that you will get to know that person in a new way.

2. learn a life story
Sit down over lunch or a cup of coffee and ask your new friend, What brought you to _____? Fill the blank with whatever context the two of you know each other through. Are you at school? Then what brought your friend to this school. Are you at work? Then what brought your friend to this occupation.

3. ask
Ask a new question each day. In fact, if you can do this without being awkward, try and only ask questions in a conversation. This will keep the ball in your new friends court and keep them sharing about themselves. Feel free to answer when they ask you a question, but remember that this is about learning new things about new people--not dominating the conversation about you.