Navigating Through the Noise: Finding Your Own Path
How to find your way through the noise
One of the hardest things we face when we are trying to work out important decisions, whether it’s about how we're meant to parent a vulnerable human, how we're meant to develop our business, or why we're doing what we're doing, is the endless presence of ALL THE NOISE.
A good coach or mentor will help you defragment from the noise and find your own song, but sometimes it's those closest to us, those seemingly having huge success, or those whom we admire, who can offer wonderful advice that isn't relevant or helpful to you at all.
This has certainly happened with clients of mine - they'll share their big, beautiful idea with a friend or fellow professional and be met with...meh. Suddenly that big, beautiful idea seems naive or ill-thought through. Or perhaps they've found a social media platform that is working well for them...but then they read that the real reach and engagement is on FaceGramTwit, and suddenly they're questioning if anything they do is right.
The personal bugbear I have is that you must have a niche and only one niche. Whilst I believe in having a clarity of message, and that it's sensible to put your focus on one thing thing at a time, it doesn't mean that you can't be a master (mistress) of much.
To help you cut through the noise and regain clarity, I offer four key considerations:
1. Assess the excitement and alignment:
Does this advice feel exciting and stretchy (but possible) or unachievable and overwhelming?
Is my instinct to reject it because it's new and challenging, or because it's not aligned with what I want and allowing only for overwhelm and distraction?
If I sit with this advice for 24 hours how do I feel at the end of it?
Does this advice align with the work life rhythm and balance I crave, or is someone else's dance they need to perform?
2. Is this advice actually meant for me?
Is this advice given because the person giving it (however well meaning) is trying to prove themselves as an expert, or because they are saying it with me first?
Are they inadvertently flexing their own experience, rather than considering what will enhance your own?
3. Does this advice acknowledge my unique, expert status, or does it force me to start all over again?
Do I feel respected and my credibility reinforced through this advice, or does it make me doubt myself?
There is nothing wrong with reflection, but insecurity brought about by advice means the advice can be discarded.
4. Do I need to act upon this advice now?
I have a list in my Trello called "things to think about." Included in this is some wonderful ideas, right for me one day, but not for right now.
Sometimes advice is so tantalising that we want to act on it straight away, but it will take us too far from our path to be helpful. But one day, perhaps the next quarter, season, year, that nugget of wisdom is waiting to be unwrapped, ready for us.
In a world filled with noise, finding your own melody can be challenging. However, by carefully considering the advice that comes your way, you can maintain clarity and stay true to your unique path. Remember, your journey is your own, and the best advice is the one that resonates with your heart and soul, guiding you toward your own symphony of success.
Have you found yourself taking advice from others who may not be the best qualified to give it? How have you navigated those situations in the past? Come and chat to me about your experiences in the comments below.
With love,
Laura x
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