Creators of any kind must find their voice. We must find the courage to speak the truth of our feelings, wants and needs... We are writers, poets, musicians, workers, parents, and a whole spectrum of people. But we are not truly expressing ourselves, and speaking the truth until we’ve found our voice. Finding the tone, style, and personality we use to express ourselves is difficult, but not impossible. Our voice is our essence, our existence, and our reality.
A co-worker asked me how I found my voice, and I have no easy answer. Truthfully, I’m not even sure I can say I’ve fully developed it yet. It’s a quest that doesn’t seem to end… A continual return, a reorganizing as the construct of who I am incessantly changes. Even with this constant flux, I feel I’ve found something that has the feel of truth to it, even if only a personal perception. I’ll share some of my thoughts, but keep in mind I can only speak this truth of my own observations. I think perhaps that maybe you can use it to help find your own voice in the constant noise of our modern world. I’m learning, and I hope my learning helps your learn also. Today I want to help you begin your journey in finding your own personal voice...
First things first…
Clearly, over the past three months, I’ve taken on a new experiment that has changed my life. I’ve been writing daily about some of my deepest truths that I wouldn’t normally share and posting them here for everyone to read if they desire...Insecurities are what most often stop people in the beginning of any new project, and believe me, I have had my portion of insecurities during this process… I cannot believe some of the shit that comes out of me that I openly share with you... So I hope that my transparency has been helpful in any areas where you’re a beginner in the course of finding your voice…
What does it mean to find your voice? It’s a concept I use frequently, and I define it as a desire to sound more authentic and genuine when I speak or communicate with others… So how do we even start to find that truth within us? I have outlined some simple steps you can take to find your own voice…
1. First, look inward.
The process of finding your voice starts by looking inward to determine your core values. What does it mean to look inward? Consider what is important to you… What do you believe in and how does it drive your actions every single day? Identify and validate your core values; perhaps you live the value of selflessness by putting others before yourself. Perhaps you live the value of integrity by always modeling the behavior you want to see from others. Connect with what truly drives you and it will embolden you to speak up. Basically, ask yourself these two questions:
• Why do I do what I do?
• Why do I believe what I believe?
2. Next, look outward.
After you’ve looked inward at your values, look outward at the world around you. Where are those values and beliefs being challenged? Where does your voice need to be heard? Maybe there’s an issue at work that’s threatening to destroy the camaraderie of your team; perhaps there’s an injustice in your community that no one else will confront. It’s easy to get overwhelmed because we can identify so many problems… Which issue calls to you personally or professionally? Choose one and study if from as many angles as you can. The more you learn about an issue, the more confident you will feel speaking up. Educate yourself so that when you speak, it is valid, truthful, and meaningful.
3. Build your communication skills.
What do you need to learn to become the speaker you have always wanted to be? People hold themselves back from speaking up for many reasons: one reason is they believe they aren’t good enough, but speaking up is a skill that can be learned. Choose 1-2 areas where you’d like to improve; perhaps it’s learning how to craft an impactful message or how your voice can project strength and warmth. Find a mentor or model in someone you admire. Practice these skills in every interaction, from a 1:1 conversation to a group presentation. Remember I have said multiple time that small victories lead to success and likewise the more you build your skills, the more you build your confidence.
4. Look for opportunities to speak and build allies.
Look for places where you can speak up and give others a chance to speak. In doing so, you can build the most important skill that you will ever have, that of listening to others. In order to develop your voice, you have to understand the voices or lack of voice that others have. Now that you have determined the issues you’re passionate about and have started to build your communication skills, it’s time to test out those ideas. Start by holding conversations with friends and family. Remember that this isn’t about pushing your ideas; it’s about creating a dialogue and speaking up as well as listening.
5. Take action on your ideas.
Finally, it’s time to take action on your ideas. What steps are you committed to taking to make your idea a reality? What steps can your audience take? The more focused you are on action, the more you can create a groundswell for change. Make your voice a catalyst for action, and you will become a role model for others. Remember that every person has a voice; every person has something to say and that includes you! Make it your mission to find your voice and to help others find theirs. Use the power to build your communication skills and find your confidence to speak up on behalf of what you believe in.
Finding your voice is about self-actualization: determining what’s important to you, what change you want to see in the world, and what you are going to do about it.
Self improvement isn’t all about your fitness, your diet and your health… All of those things are all parts of it, but finding your passion and making yourself heard is just as important. Find yourself, find your voice and become powerful!
Now get to work…
The 90 Day Life Change Challenge update… I have five days left after today… Can you believe it?!?!?! That’s update enough… I made it… It’s as good as done… Really though, it was as good as done on day one… That’s just the way I look at things… I hope that I have given you the same mindset…
Love you like a surfer loves that big wave… See you Tomorrow… Again… You’re gonna miss me aren’t you?
No comments:
Post a Comment