Listening to Your Little Voice to Discover Your Passions
Do you ever find the little voice inside your head urging you to figure out what you’re supposed to be doing with your life? If you’re like me, constantly redefining yourself, you probably have. I have been a television promo producer, a youth pastor, legal assistant, law school graduate, and now I am a travel writer, and aspiring book author. I have definitely struggled with letting my inner voice guide me.
What is your inner voice? It is the small voice inside your head that helps you navigate the tough decisions in your life. It can also be defined as listening to your heart. If you let fear of rejection and failure get in your way, it opens the door for self-doubt.
Apple TV’s romantic dramedy, Little Voice follows Bess, a singer-songwriter who has no problem singing covers on stage. But, when performing her own songs in front of an audience, fear paralyzes her. It is clear from go; she is passionate about writing and playing music. Her biggest obstacle is herself, she believes no one wants to hear what she has to say.
Brittany O’Grady shines as Bess. If you’re a fan of this seasoned actress, you will be happy to see her back on the screen so soon after her performance in the Fox network show Star. Sara Bareilles’ songs are the inspiration for the storyline. Bess spends her days working a myriad of jobs as a dog walker, bartender, and music teacher instead of 'playing to her strengths and connecting to her passions.'
Bess struggles to find her voice. This struggle is relatable whether you pen songs, write stories, or are just trying to figure out your strengths. Not sure how to go about listening to your inner voice, here are a few tips for discovering your passions.
How to Figure Out What You're Passionate About?
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve questioned my purpose. It's usually because I have lost sight of what sets off a spark inside me. I begin by making a list of the things I am passionate about, because it’s never just one thing. If you are trying to figure out what your inner voice is seeking to reveal, the following questions may help.
1. What did you love to do when you were a child?
Travel back in time to discover who you used to be before other people weighed in on who you should be. Make a list of things you loved to do during your childhood. What activities were you good at in high school? What passions have been with you all along? See if you still connect to any of these activities now.
2. Who is already successful in this area?
Identify people who are doing the things you’re passionate about and learn how they achieved their success. Learning about someone else’s journey can help you get started on yours.
Instagram is a great resource for this process. Most likely you already follow instagrammers who share your passions. Look for people talking about their achievements and failures and have made it part of their mission to mentor others. I have been inspired by @glographics, @colormecourtney, @writinglaraferrari, and @worldtowning.
3. What inspires you?
Make a vision board, a collage of images, poems, quotes, and words. The idea is as you create this visual list, it will help reveal the things that inspire you, and get you focused on your passions.
4. What are you drawn to?
Look around your house. What is hanging on your walls? What books are on your shelves? Where do you travel? What television shows do you enjoy watching? Paying attention to what you are drawn to gives you insight to what you like.
5. What are you good at?
Identify the activities that make you lose track of time. Write down the ones you naturally do well, note the things that other people have confirmed you excel. Basically, it will be a list of your strengths and it is probably what you should be doing.
Practice Your Passions
When you discover your passion, do it. You’ve taken the time to ask the hard questions and figured out what you’re good at, now focus on it. Buy some paint, brushes, and a canvas. Go back to college, or push yourself to perform live. If it’s photography, get out and take lots of pictures. Commit to moving toward your goal. The more you practice, the more motivated you will be to continue.
Overcoming Stagefright
Overcoming the fear of failure and rejection can get you out of your own way to fulfilling your potential. Most of us want to be accepted by others, and it can be deterring if you constantly focus on being rejected.
A Lot of us get nervous when we have to speak or perform in front of an audience. But there are some of us who are so filled with anxiety and dread we panic and pass up opportunities, even if we are passionate about the activity.
I have been guilty of ignoring my inner voice out of fear. I rejected my creative talent before I was able to use it. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help you work through these fears.
First, acknowledge these feelings exist. Ignoring you have fears makes it hard to move past them. The next step is to focus on the joy the activity brings you. Try not to focus on what could go wrong. Embrace your passion, not the fear.
What's Next?
The last time I sat down to redefine myself, I was making a change from youth ministry and wasn’t sure what came next. I started with a vision board and put on it all the things of interest to me. Also, I made a list of my past jobs and found a common thread. I love writing, travel, and videography.
It was clear what came next for me. To document my travels and get back on the road so I can have something to write about, My Rooftop Stories was born. In 2019 alone, I visited four continents; I wrote over 10,000 words, lived in Asia, and spent 127 days away from home. I am still defining this new journey, as 2020 is forcing me to take another look at it. Stay-tuned to see what my next steps will be.
I am looking forward to seeing how Little Voice’s Bess overcomes obstacles to pursue her passion for making music. The first three episodes premiered on Apple TV + July 10th, two more on the 24th, and the next episodes will be available on July 31st.
When we listen, we can discover our passion, realize our potential, overcome obstacles, and allow the still, little voice inside our heads to be heard.
What are you passionate about? Post it in the comments. Are you ready to figure out what your inner voice is telling you?