Inside Voice Podcast

Have you become an expert in negative self-talk? I know I have. It's so bad that I don't even realize I'm putting myself down in conversations with loved ones. But words matter, especially the ones we speak to and about ourselves. I believe all negative self-talk is rooted in three areas. Let's dissect those and find ways to combat them because when you find your Inside Voice, you'll find that it only wants the best for you.

I'm a self-proclaimed procrastinator when it comes to things outside of my job. This quarantine has made that blatantly obvious, because I no longer have the excuse of "I don't have time." Now, it's not always easy to find the motivation, but I've picked up a few tricks that have helped me set myself up for success. Those little to-do items may seem insignificant, but I'm starting to believe knocking them out can have a major impact in our overall pursuit of our dreams. 

Things certainly look and feel different these days, don't they? As we navigate this pandemic, I find myself being very hopeful for what's to come. Our lives have slowed down during this time and I hope that we are receiving clarity on what truly matters in life. As I dream about the future, these are the things I want for humanity as we move out of quarantine.

"Believe in yourself." A mantra meant to inspire however, as a kid I felt is was nothing more than a frilly catchphrase used on Disney Channel to keep kids watching. As I've grown, I've realized that believing in yourself isn't just a happy hurrah used to get us through a situation. No, it's much bigger than that. And we owe it to ourselves and those around us to truly believe in the one staring back at us in the mirror.

We're living in some interesting times aren't we? I've seen many people close up shop, literally and figuratively, and it's heartbreaking. While there's a part of me that feels like continuing my podcast is tone deaf and insensitive, I can't get past this feeling of motivation to keep pressing forward. This quarantine is not vacation or a stopping point. It's a time to focus and buckle down on what we can do with this time. Let's come out of quarantine with momentum!

When you push for something you want and chase after a big dream, you're going to encounter failures. Some may be large, some may be small, but they'll always be there. It's impossible to grown without them. We need to look at failure as good thing in our lives. Failure can be the answer we needed, rather than asking "what if." Failure can serve as a guide on our quest. Failure can build up our dream-chasing endurance. As we press on, pursuing our #InsideVoice, may we remember that failure is gain.

There will always be things in our lives that we can't control. As frustrating, scary, and hard as it is to hear that, it's the truth. We can't control things like opinions, bias, or tragedy. However, when it comes to you dreams, there will always be things that are well within your control. Many of these things start with and revolve around you. Even in times of uncertainty and doubt, you CAN control you. 

So you've got this incredibly big dream that you are absolutely enamored with. You love to daydream about your goal and you fall asleep with visions of yourself living out that dream. Now why haven't you started the work to make that dream a reality? Time, right? You don't have the time to do the things to make the dream happen. We all get wrapped up in the busyness of life, but that only puts our goals on the back burner. It's time to get organized and prioritize what's important to you. It's time to get to work on your dreams. Trust me, there's time.

Can I let you in on a little secret? NOBODY. IS. PERFECT. Everyone struggles, everyone experiences failures, everyone has to start somewhere. Babies don’t come out of the womb walking and talking. They have to stumble around and gurgle a few sounds first. Do you see anyone telling them they’re a failure? When you’re chasing something you want, when you’re letting your #InsideVoice out, there will be moments of struggle. There will be moments of you feeling like you suck. And guess what, THAT’S OK!

Let's get real about pursuing your dreams. It's exciting, rewarding and fulfilling. However, it's also hard and there will be moments when you break down. The beauty of the breakdown is that it's normal, it's therapeutic and it's a reminder that what you're doing is very important to you. Don't let the tears, frustrations and hurt keep you down for long. Get up, brush yourself off and get moving again.