WHO ARE YOU LISTENING TO?

I’ve been making some big decisions lately that some people around me aren’t comfortable with. That’s not because my decisions are outlandish or wrong in any way. It’s just that it’s not what they think I “should” be doing.

In allowing them to hold me back from being who I am and doing what I know is right for me, I realized that at some point in time, I have given away my power to these people who, although well-meaning, don’t truly know me or what I’m called to do.

If you’ve been in business for more than a day, you know what I’m talking about. Maybe it’s your spouse, or a parent, or a friend you grew up with who can’t see you beyond the “you” they know you to be. Maybe they don’t understand or accept the fact that you’re growing, changing and becoming more of who you’re meant to be and they want you to stay the same.

It’s been said that we are the product of the five people we spend the most time with. Sometimes people slip into one of those slots without us even being aware of it, and before we know it, that person is impacting our thoughts and behavior, but the question is, should we be listening to them at all?

While it’s okay to acknowledge other people’s opinions, as an adult, you have permission to disagree and to tell them so. Back in 2012, I did the hard work of weeding out friendships from acquaintances and one-way relationships that were adding nothing to my life or influencing me in negative ways and wow, did it free me up to move forward in the direction of my goals and dreams. But now, all these years later, I’m finding I have to re-assess my relationships in light of where I’m going.

I’m honored to have some of the best coaches in the industry as part of my inner circle, like Michael Port’s Book Yourself Solid Certified Coaches Team shown above, plus a host of other business, life, mindset and personal development coaches who support me in business and life. But that doesn’t mean I’m not susceptible to listening voices telling me I’m not ______ enough, can’t prosper during COVID, and should just hang it up and get “a real job,” when I think, feel and know in my heart it’s time to step out in an even bigger way than before.

That’s why we need to do a regular inventory and assessment of who we’re listening to, especially when we’re making decisions that big shifts and transformation in our business and life.

Who are you listening to right now? Do you find yourself fighting for your own voice to be heard? Who are you listening to right now? Give yourself space to hear your own voice and to act on it, should you choose to do so.