The conversation inside your head

What do you say when you talk to yourself? How does this conversation factor into your decision making? Do you act on strong inclinations when you have an overwhelming feeling?

Several years ago, a client called to invite me to a Chicago Cubs game the following week and the night before my presentation. I wasn’t a baseball fan, so I politely declined. A few hours after the invite, that little voice inside my head said, “Go.”??I contacted my client the next day and told him if the offer was still good, I would join him for the game. Even though most years I can’t name any Major League Baseball (MLB) players or even the teams playing in the World Series, I can, however, recall vivid details of that evening – I absolutely LOVED the experience!

On another occasion while in New City for a presentation, I was invited to a show at Catch a Rising Star comedy theater. Again, I politely declined the invite only to have that “feeling” again. Thankfully, my inner voice won me over and that night, I was mesmerized along with the rest of the audience by an authentic and entertaining performance. Had I not listened to that voice, I wouldn’t have met my incredibly talented friend, Victoria Labalme .

That voice, that feeling that we all encounter can not only create incredible experiences, but it might also save us from having unpleasant outcomes. There have been occasions that listening to my internal voice may have saved me from a failure, but often acting on a strong feeling has created unique opportunities to learn, succeed, and expand my personal and professional network.

Listening to that voice resulted in starting my own business, rebranding my speaking focus, and encouraging me to introduce myself to complete strangers that later became friends and even clients.

It's a tricky balance though as that “voice” can hold us back too resulting in thoughts like:

You aren’t nearly smart enough to do that.

What makes you think you deserve that promotion?

How could you possibly have the talent to lead others?

Why would my prospect buy from me?

How am I ever going to conquer my fear of speaking in public, having difficult conversations, or worrying about outcomes I can’t control?

The voice that invites opportunity can be countered by another voice that discourages action. That voice can cause fear, uncertainty, and indecision. While it’s healthy and appropriate to consider situational ramifications, it’s not wise to only consider the downsides. ?If you feel burdened by this feeling, try asking yourself a few questions –

What are the potential upsides of acting in this situation?

Am I refusing to listen to the voice because of fear?

Am I worrying about what others will think of me?

Will I regret not acting later?

Can this experience help increase my comfort with trying new things?

If it doesn’t turn out well, will it lessen or strengthen my desire to take future risks?

Maybe you don’t need to over analyze decisions.??Silencing that inner voice may be the most important task you can accomplish today.

Sometimes it’s okay to just do it.