I remember watching Different Strokes and the laughs Arnold Drummond would get every time he would say ‘Whatchu’ talkin’ ‘bout Willis?”

He used this to question what Willis was telling him, but ask yourself the question. Whatchu’ talkin’ ‘bout?

The reality of what people are taking about is not as funny as Gary Coleman’s delivery of that line in the sitcom.

I found this to be amazing…

Robin Dunbar is what would be called a “professional eavesdropper.” He headed up a study at the University of Liverpool on what people are talking about.

They ‘eavesdropped’ on 100,000 conversations around the country. Most professionals assumed that language was used to communicate technically complex information.

But, guess what they found?

People are talking about “nothing”.

82% of conversation is about gossip, celebrities, and television.

Take a look at the things you talk about in an average day. Are you using your conversations for something worthwhile?

The things you talk about are a reflection of what you are thinking and ultimately, what you’re being.

Personally, I don’t accept gossipy conversations. People don’t come to me with that type of conversation because they know I don’t participate in that type of talk.

Because I’m not ‘being that’, I don’t attract it.

Practical Application

Do you know what you talk about all day?

Spend a day making note of your conversations. If you have to, take notes after you finish a conversation on what you just spent your time discussing.

At the end of the day, look over your notes. Were your conversations worthwhile?

Since they are what you are thinking and putting your energy into, is this who you want to be?

If not, it’s time to make a change. Put your energy into positive useful conversation, and avoid the ‘nothing’ talk.