We each have a voice within us that either serves the purpose of guidance or ridicule.   Often, I tell myself what an idiot I have been or discredited my experience by questioning it, loudly and consistently.  I have worried that I am not smart enough, that I am not ready for the challenge before me, that I will fail.  And that is what my inner voice says, "You will fail."  "You aren't ready for this."  "No one wants to hear what you have to say."  Over the years, I have learned to listen less to the ridicule and more to the guidance.

This is similar to using your gut, but not quite the same.  My inner guidance counselor is my cheerleader.  It tells me I can succeed, that I can do it.  It tells me that the place where I am currently standing is exactly where I need to be.  It tells me I am smart enough to accomplish the task set before me and whispers softly that my weaknesses are merely areas left where I get to grow.  Not have to grow, or must change, but areas that reveal challenge where growth is richly fertilized and not only encouraged, but unstoppable when given the right exposure.

We spend so much of our lives saying what we can't do that we have forgotten to see what we can do or of what we are already aptly capable.  It is no surprise that our heads often step in and ignore the inner dialogue that can haphazardly clutter our minds.  I was once told by my mentor, Dr. Hal Simeroth, that the gap in our lives is where our potential is separate from our reality - from where we are - and that this life, true life, is about closing that gap. 

Several years ago, I formulated a template for professional reference interviews.  At first, I used to take interview notes down on a yellow pad.   Headset on, pen at the ready to jot down illegible scribble, trying to capture every worthy word.  The template was my successful attempt to remove the pen from my tired hand and use a keyboard, reducing a lengthy transcription process.  It worked, but there was one interview question that always bothered me.  "Weaknesses?"  Our Managing Director asked us to reword it to say, "Can you tell me ways or in what areas where Mary could improve?"  It's the same darn question, only slightly less negative.

The responses were usually positive and ranged from, "She is too much of a perfectionist" (barf ) to "She could be a bit more punctual."   Really, though, if you had been listening throughout the whole hiring process, there should be no surprises at this point.  I have never once had a professional reference turn and say, "You shouldn't hire Mary.  She is a horrible employee."  We all know who to put in our professional reference list.  Listening is a challenge, but so is eating the recommended daily allowance of fruits and vegetables.  Even more difficult?  Listening to self, it's like recognizing your recommended daily allowance of purpose.  Go get some, trust me..., it'll be good for you.

by rayannethorn