Q: How would your life be changed if you listened more closely to your own wisdom?

Last week I spoke to the concept of our inner voice. Consider that this is our voice of wisdom, experiences, values and general intuition.  But, with so much noise constantly present in our lives, how can we recognize this voice of wisdom?  

That inner voice is quiet and calm.  The voices of noise usually yell and clang and scream like sirens. The voice of fear insists you must defend yourself.  The voice of convenience yells that you only have time for the easiest route.  But, the voice of wisdom speaks calmly about what you've learned from past success and even failures.  The voice of wisdom quietly reminds you about your true values.  

Your inner voice is rooted in your wisdom; don't ignore it simply because it's not loud.

Q: What would you discover if you could hear yourself better?

Much of my career as a leadership coach and advisor has involved helping business leaders increase their self-awareness.  Like the air we breathe, it is vitally important for each of us - and not something we readily pay attention to outside of a crisis.  

Often, this involves helping them tune down the "noise" and distraction from outside forces that drown out our inner voice.  It is often hard to hear the "signal" of your own wisdom, experience and judgment when the ratio of "signal to noise" is too low.  
 
Over the coming weeks we'll focus on how to increase the "signal to noise" ratio by better tuning in to your own voice.  Because, the person that's able to teach you the most about you is...you.

Q: Is your self-image really what others see?

Looking at yourself isn't always about vanity; we need a good view of ourselves if we want to grow.  But, a mirror isn't the only way we can do this.
 
Take the guy who walks into a coffee shop and notices others noticing him.  The barista can't take her eyes off him.  He flashes a smile; others smile back, almost bashfully.  He must really have something.  Later, he looks in the mirror and realizes he does have something - in his teeth. Spinach taking a very long lunch.
 
Assessment:  others' reactions help us see ourselves.  Though, our frame of mind can change what we perceive them thinking.  We must find accurate mirrors for ourselves and our teams.

Q: Are you in the zone?

"I'm just trying to get uncomfortable"

You might worry about someone who said that to you. Our beds, cars, office chairs are all designed for comfort. Truly, comfort is good.

But comfort is bad for growing. You many think of comfort as anti-growth. Children learn to walk, fall down. Athletes strengthen through rigorous and uncomfortable training. Without being outside of their comfort zone, they would never improve.

Seeking discomfort in our relationships seems illogical, doesn't it? Out work, our family, our friends: always striving for comfort with them will cause dysfunction. Issues that need to change won't. Problems that need exposure remain concealed. Growth takes getting out of our comfort zone. IT may take giving bad news, asking tought questions or even getting tough answers about ourselves. Just as athletes improve through training, our momentary discomfort will stretch our comfort zone and strengthen us.