Embrace Your Voice, Perfection Isn’t the Goal
Trust yourself and speak from the heart. It’s better to speak up and stumble a little than to remain silent and say nothing at all.
In my book, Embrace the Work, Love Your Career, I write about how important it is to speak up and advocate for yourself and your career, but I know that it’s not always easy—sometimes it feels painful!
I should know—I’ve had develop this skill myself. I was so shy as a child.
That shyness followed me into the early stages of my career, where I often struggled with feeling that I didn't belong or wasn't good enough. I think a lot of this stemmed from being an immigrant and being the first in my family to go to college.
Over the years, I found my voice and realized that what I have to say matters.
Finding your voice is often a journey of self-discovery. Here are some steps that helped me find my voice (and hopefully can be of service to you, too!):
Self-reflection: Take some time to reflect on what matters most to you. What are you enthusiastic about? Understanding yourself better can help you articulate your thoughts and opinions more clearly.
Explore different mediums: Try expressing yourself through various mediums such as writing, speaking, podcasting, or any other form of creative expression. Experimenting with different ways of communicating can help you discover what feels most authentic to you.
Practice: Engage in conversations with others, whether it's through discussions, debates, or storytelling. Pay attention to how you communicate your ideas (including phrases, tone, and nonverbal cues) and how others respond. This feedback can help you refine your voice over time.
Be YOU: Your voice is unique, so don't try to mimic others or conform to what you think society expects. Embrace your individuality and speak from your own experiences and perspectives. This was probably the hardest step for me, but once I let go of all the “perceived” expectations, I felt comfortable and aligned, which is a good place to be if you want to speak from the heart.
Embrace vulnerability: Sometimes, finding your voice involves sharing your true thoughts and emotions with others. Don't be afraid to express yourself honestly, even if it feels uncomfortable at first.
When I chat with students or young people early in their careers I encourage them to raise their hands and not worry about overthinking every single word. Perfection isn't the goal here — it's about embracing your voice and letting your ideas flow naturally (flaws and all).
My voice has definitely evolved over the years (and will continue to evolve). Finding your voice is a process that takes time and practice. Don't get discouraged if it doesn't happen overnight. Keep exploring, experimenting, and honing; your voice will naturally emerge.
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