#59: Delete + Reset: Navigating hard conversations with Esther Littlefield

What is a hard conversation? Why do we avoid them? What are do’s and don’t’s in initiating a difficult conversation?

Through Delete + Rest, an every-other-week series, we talk about mindsets we need to delete because they don’t serve us well then we reset our brains with the truth. 

In this interview, Esther + I tackle a topic that is an ongoing struggle for try-hard girls: having a hard conversation. 

Esther defines what a hard conversation is, shares four keys to discerning when to bring up a hard topic, and offers do’s and don’t’s as you navigate your next difficult conversation.

She also gives you practical ways to initiate a hard conversation and what good can come out of a difficult dialogue.

• “If we can spend our time thinking and preparing our hearts and preparing what we want to say then we can have the hard conversation.” - Esther Littlefield
• “Having a hard conversation is a learning process.” - Esther Littlefield
• “If we’ve done our part, we have to let go of the response of the other person.” - Esther Littlefield
• “We can study. We can use biblical principles. And we can pray before having a hard conversation.” - Esther Littlefield
• “Being willing to hear the other person’s perspective is so important in having that hard conversation.” - Esther Littlefield
• “Part of having a hard conversation with God is processing what you’re feeling about the situation.” - Esther Littlefield
• “Having a hard conversation reflects the heart of Christ in the effort to have reconciliation and restoration of a relationship or situation.” - Esther Littlefield

• Enneagram Eight   https://www.jillemccormick.com/episode-47-real-life-grace-for-the-enneagram-eight-with-celia-miller/ 
• Esther’s Confident Conversation mini-course   https://go.estherlittlefield.com/confident-conversations 
• Brene Brown  https://brenebrown.com/ 
• Natalie Gingrich   https://www.jillemccormick.com/episode-33-real-life-grace-for-the-enneagram-two-with-natalie-gingrich/ 

Previous Episodes Mentioned

• Episode #31: Real-life grace for the Enneagram One with Esther Littlefield
• Episode #51: Delete + Reset: Body Image, Weight, Jean Size, and Jesus with Jami Amerine   
• Episode #53: Delete + Reset: Race, Racism, and Your Role in Racial Reconciliation with Dr. Lucretia Berry
• Episode #55: Delete + Reset: Productivity, Exhaustion, and Balancing Your Passions with Christa Hutchins
• Episode #5: Delete + Reset: Slowing down, releasing expectations, and creating an unhurried heart with Jennifer Dukes Lee 

Esther is a writer & host of the Christian Woman Leadership Podcast as well as the Christian Woman Business Podcast. 

She is passionate about helping women embrace their gifts and lead with confidence. She also loves helping Christian business owners shine online and amplify their message. She lives in Maine with her husband Scott (a pastor), daughter KJ and their two cats, two leopard geckos, and one adorable puppy. 

In her free time, you may find Esther enjoying a cup of coffee, exploring the great outdoors, or convincing her husband -- or a friend -- to take a road trip to see her favorite band, Switchfoot

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