Who Do You Listen To? Harnessing Coaching to Find Your True Voice

Throughout our lives, we are shaped by the voices around us—from our parents to our teachers, to colleagues and loved ones. Each stage of life presents new influences that mold the way we think, act, and decide.

I stil recall being influenced by teachers in middle school, who undermined my art and communication skills. My elder sister was the most influential in helping me choose between Science and Commerce. Later on, I had uncles, parents, friends and colleagues influencing my decisions with their perceptions.

These voices, both loud and quiet, led me in different directions, sometimes far from who I truly am.

During the Formative Years

Our childhood is moulded and shaped by our parents. If you have siblings, you might notice that your brothers and sisters have picked up different traits from your parents.

If your mother and father had a difference of opinion, whom did you listen to? 

At Schools & Universities

As one enters the formal education system, friends and teachers influence our thoughts and feelings. While the impact of deep friendships can't be denied, there is always a fair level of agreement and disagreement even with the best of friends.

With teachers, there is always so much that, as students, one listens to.

Who was the major influence in your life while studying?

While Making a Living

The next stage of life begins when one enters the active workforce and encounters a 'Boss' figure. How often do these supervisors, with an organisational agenda, wish that an employee would listen more and act accordingly? The peer group at the office is often where one hears chat and tries to make sense of the office culture.

With the push and pull of colleagues, who had the strongest voice of counsel?

Immediate Family's Sphere of Influence 

As one settles into a family life, one's spouse and children become pivotal relationships that naturally draw attention and consideration. At all times, the surrounding society continues to assert its demands, quirks, likes and dislikes-sometimes as silent whispers and sometimes as forceful impositions.

Were you able to consciously take decisions or felt pressured by those you love?

And the Life Story Continues

As one listens to the counsel of others, the mind swings between agreement and skepticism. The inner voice tries to decipher meaning from all these perspectives in an effort to remain authentic to its reality.

What Really Matters

One listens and adjusts to the beliefs and thought patterns ingrained in their subconscious through the myriad of impressions gathered throughout life.So, when you need the wisest of counsel, don't look left or right-go straight to the source and find your voice within.

As a professional coach, I partner with individuals to explore what they stand for and what is truly meaningful to them.In the end, it is all about your own self. This holds true for everyone!

Who do you want to listen to?

Sunny is the founder of Sunny Connect, a firm specialising in curating programs for Conscious Leadership Development. He can be reached at coach@sunnyconnect.in