How to Limit Chit Chat

When you engage in "chit-chat," you are likely having conversations about trivial matters or talking about other people -- wasting your time and energy. The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines "chit chat" as "small talk" or "gossip."



Mahatma Gandhi made it a practice of not speaking for one full day per week. He used this time to write letters and make public statements which influenced the direction of his country. You needn't set such an ambitious regime, but there are a few simple techniques you can use to help limit the gossip and idle talk in your life.

Instructions

Goal-setting

• 1

  Determine how much you wish to limit your chit-chat. Do you want to set aside quiet time every day, on the weekends or in the evenings? Do you want to limit communication with everyone or just certain people? Do you want to stop talking about certain things? Picture the end result of limiting chit-chat.

• 2

  Remove yourself from situations where you usually engage in small talk or gossip. Old habits can be difficult to break and you may slip back into your familiar pattern of communicating if you interact with the same people that choose to gossip. Help yourself to succeed in your goal by creating new habits or regimes that involve no chit-chat.

• 3

  Keep yourself occupied by focusing on projects that will help you to reach your goals. There are always opportunities to set new goals for your career, family, relationships, exercise regime, hobbies, travel etc. The more attention you give to your own life, the less time you will have for chit-chat.

• 4

  Take a moment of silence when you feel compelled to engage in chit-chat. Stop speaking and take a few deep breaths to center yourself. This will give you time to consider your actions. Remind yourself of your goals and follow through with your plan.