Coaching Moment: Your Inner Voice

The question "What is your inner voice telling you?" frequently arises during coaching sessions. The messages individuals communicate to themselves may influence them more significantly than external opinions. When someone holds strong beliefs about a subject, their internal dialogue can sometimes overshadow or obscure input from others.

I recently came across a poem by Yehuda Amichai, linked here: The Place Where We Are Right | The On Being Project. It discusses “being right” from the viewpoint of the closed mind. This poem has relevance to anyone who has been on social media and has gotten into heated discussions. In a recent encounter, I decided to stop the debate because it became clear that presenting scientific evidence would not change the other person’s perspective. In many situations, debates about topics such as the environment, vaccinations, or aspects of human behavior can become challenging when scientific findings are set aside in favor of alternative explanations, including conspiracy theories or pop-culture beliefs. This can make communication between individuals with differing viewpoints difficult.

The poem asserts that “doubts and loves dig up the world, like a mole or a plow,” prompting reflection on whether doubt can persist even when one feels confident in their beliefs, and the extent to which alternative viewpoints may influence personal convictions. It also invites consideration of whether the poet is advocating for accepting unresolved disagreements. Additionally, the reference to a “whisper will be heard where a ruined house once stood” serves as a reminder of the potential impact of deeply held convictions on relationships.

The poem is equally pertinent to the internal dialogues we engage in, as self-talk can often be as detrimental as contentious discussions on social media. Phrases such as “I cannot do it,” or “I am not [insert positive attribute] enough,” can have a profound impact. It has taken me fifty years of addressing and overcoming negative self-talk to officially and confidently hold the title of Doctor. Supporting individuals as they navigate and reframe their inner dialogue is a key strength among professional coaches.

Therefore, I encourage you to reflect: What message is your inner voice conveying? If you wish to discuss this further, please contact me by phone or email.