How To Hear Your True Self And Turn Down The Noise (Opinions from Others)
In a world that is constantly telling you who to be, what to want and how to live, it can be very easy to lose track of your own voice. You might find yourself listening to everyone else and forgetting that you are the main character in your own life.
In this episode of the She Trusts Herself podcast, I talk about how to hear your true self by clearing the noise. I share times when I let other people's opinions influence my choices and how I found my way back to trusting myself again.
Why Other People's Opinions Feel So Loud
We are constantly consuming information. Social media, family, friends, colleagues and even strangers have something to say about how we should live. It is no surprise that your own voice can feel very quiet in comparison.
You might see someone online and think, "I am not where they are. What is wrong with me?" The truth is there is nothing wrong with you. You do not know their full story and comparing your whole life to one small part of theirs is not fair on you.
When you are always looking outward, it becomes easy to forget what you actually want. You can end up living a life that suits everyone else instead of yourself.
Real Moments When I Ignored My Own Voice
I share two examples in this episode. The first is returning to work after having my baby. I received a lot of mixed messages. Some people said I was going back too early. Others said I was going back too late or should only return one day a week.
I knew that going back four days a week was right for me and my family. It did not matter that other people did not understand or approve. It is my life and I live with the consequences of my choices.
The second example is when I decided I wanted to be a guest speaker and start calling in opportunities. Some of the people closest to me did not understand it. They still do not. They are very supportive when I achieve something at work, but when it comes to my creative work, they question it.
If I had listened to them, I would not be recording this podcast. I would not have been a guest on other shows or spoken at events. I would have stayed in the lane they thought I belonged in instead of choosing myself.
How To Turn Inward And Hear Your Own Voice
It can feel uncomfortable at first to stop doing what pleases everyone else and start asking what you actually want. You might feel like you need to explain yourself. You do not. You are allowed to say, "I am doing this because it feels right for me."
When I notice myself feeling tired, bitter or envious, it is usually a sign that I have been over consuming or listening to too many outside voices. That is my cue to step back and turn inward.
Spending time with yourself, away from technology and other people's opinions, gives you space to hear your own thoughts. You might be surprised by what comes up when you finally ask, "What do I want?"
Actionable Tips To Hear Your True Self
- Notice your emotional signals: Feelings like bitterness, envy or exhaustion can be signs that you are over consuming or over listening to others.
- Take a break from input: Turn off your phone, step away from social media and give your mind space to process.
- Ask yourself directly: Say or write, "What do I actually want in this situation?" and let your answer come without judgement.
- Journal your own opinion: Before asking anyone else, write down what you think and how you feel about a decision.
- Practice saying no: You do not owe anyone an explanation if something does not feel right for you.
- Value your voice: Remind yourself that you live with your choices, not the people giving you advice.
Listen And Go Deeper
🎧 Listen to the full episode on YouTube here:
She Trusts Herself - Episode 4
🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify here:
She Trusts Herself - Episode 4
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