Originally Published By Forbes.com
"You are not the voice of the mind; you are just the one that hears it.” – Michael Singer.
One of the most astute and celebrated quotes in the personal and professional development realm, Michael Singer speaks a truth that transforms - lives, leadership, and minds - in a simple sentence.
The first time I read this quote, I resisted it, feeling that it was a radically preposterous claim: who am I if not the voice of the mind??
Years later, it has helped an astounding number of my clients’ lives, and it’s a premise I continue to explore and reflect on regularly. And I am not alone.
Multiple TEDtalks, authors, and coaches like Shirzad Chamine, Tara Mohr, Psychologist Ethan Kross, and Psychologist/NYT Best Selling Author Rick Hanson, are a few of the many who are cultivating a greater awareness of this pivotal life and leadership transforming truth: this voice is not you but instead the militant teachers, demoralizing colleagues or leaders, hypercritical parents, or detrimental societal norms from your past.
I argue that we do not have one naysaying voice, but a few who incessantly chatter: analytical commentators who thrive most when they instigate and influence nearly every move.
Activated by the areas of the brain that constantly scan for threats, these voices intend to keep you safe. They insist their advice makes life “easy,” but instead of being helpful, these voices are like tweens claiming they are expert drivers: give them the wheel and you are bound to crash, and likely incite a pileup on the nearest interstate.
These voices do not belong in the boardroom, at home, or in your car, and they certainly should not dictate your decision making.