If you’re not hearing negative voices, you’re probably not doing much. You’re probably not chasing a very big dream. And when you do, remember these words from Vincent Van Gogh.
If you’re doing anything meaningful, you’re going to hear negative voices. They will whisper. They will scream. They will make sense.
Want to silence your negative voices? Then do exactly what they are telling you not to do.
Do it as an act of defiance.
Do it to shut up your voices.
Do it as a declaration of purpose.
Do it as a finger in the chest of fear.
Do it because it’s what you are called to do.
Then wave goodbye to that voice. For it has been silenced.
Ready for the next voice? Yeah you are. And it doesn’t stand a chance.
What voice are you going to silence today?
Thanks Matt. I needed to hear this today. Some of my voices say:
I’m not good enough
I don’t know enough
I’m not strong enough
I’ve heard those voices, too. Some version of them pops up from time to time.
And gosh darnit, people like me!
I’m really liking that first line! It’s something I’ve come to learn more recently, as I try to extend my aim and taking on new challenges.
The biggest negative voice I have is “You’re being unrealistically optimistic.” I’m working real hard to change that voice, and every day it gets a little bit quieter.
I love that Ryan. Little by little…until one day it’s silenced forever.
“I don’t know how you have the energy to do all of that! I get tired just listening to you”. Frequent comment by people around me. Plenty of voices around and I’m ready to tell them to shut up.
Or relish them in cases like that 🙂
Timely post, Matt. I’m working on a book project, I’m hoping to release very soon, and I know there are negative voices telling me I can’t! or It’s not good enough! These are the voice I must ignore.
Oh, but you will!
It’s unfortunate when those voices initiated outside of your head in the form of another person. Those are tough to shut off…not impossible, but tough. That’s my job these days.
Love it!