From Silence to Impact

Embracing thoughts and feelings as Catalyst for Change

We’re often so wrapped up in our daily hustle that we hardly notice the thoughts swirling around in our heads. It's like we're on autopilot, with our minds following existing patterns like a river follows old pathways through the mountains.

Have you ever felt like your opinions didn't matter? Maybe you've hesitated to speak up in a business meeting, only to feel even more invisible when your ideas went unnoticed. It's a frustrating cycle that can leave us feeling stuck in a rut, questioning our own worth.

I used to be that person. Soft spoken, introspective, meticulously crafting my thoughts before daring to speak up. I was constantly adjusting to what’s being said and upgrading my contributions in my head.  I was probably working harder than others but I was spinning my wheels without ever getting a foot in the door. Others saw me as tense and stressed, assuming I had nothing to contribute. It was frustrating and demoralizing.

But then, something changed. A manager took notice and gave me the chance to speak up. It felt weird at first, but I soon realized that my ideas were making a difference. My voice mattered, and that was a game-changer.

Here's how my thought – behavior – feeling loop changed:

With this newfound confidence, I learned to command attention with just a few clear words such as “Hang on – I like to add something”, making sure people would recognize that I had something to say.

Not everyone has such supportive leadership, but we all have allies who can help amplify our voices. Whether it's a trusted colleague who can speak up on our behalf or repeat our ideas when they go unnoticed, having a support system can make all the difference.

Ever wondered why we fall into these self-destructive patterns? For many of us, it goes back to childhood experiences or messages that we're not good enough. In other cases, cultural norms can hold us back, like Denmark's Jante Law, which is a code of conduct that originated in fiction and is known colloquially to denote a social attitude of disapproval towards individual expression or success.  

But here's the thing: our thoughts shape our reality. As Henry Ford famously said, "Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right." So, it's crucial to recognize and challenge those thought patterns that hold us back from our personal growth.

It's time to break the cycle and rewrite our story. Take a step back, examine your thoughts with your new level of awareness, and ask yourself: Are they helping me succeed?

Remember, thoughts and feelings are your launchpad for action. It's time to reclaim your voice and rewrite your narrative.