Follow Your Inner Voice

"Seek out that particular mental attribute which makes you feel most deeply and vitally alive. Along with which comes the inner voice which says; 'this is the real me', and when you have found that attitude; ---then follow it."

                                                                                        

This quotation is by William James, the great American Physician, Psychologist and Philosopher, who is considered by many to be the father of American Psychology. It stands out like a giant compass pointing everyone to correct human behavior and attitude. It is undoubtedly a powerful platform for individuals interested in self-help. It has become so popular that it is very often incorporated in the advice and definitive recommendations of many of the most popular inspirational speakers.

In this simple statement, James was able to focus precisely on the fundamental components that make up any successful action. The steps he recommended are clear and uncompromising and are based on a few fundamental principles. You must begin by finding something which kindles your interest and desires, then be sure of your genuine willingness to commit yourself and your spirit, and when you have done this, then follow your mind to fulfillment.

James stressed that, to a very large extent, the success or failure of any individual behavior depends on the strength of the attitude, belief and commitment we bring to bear at the given time. He further emphasized that while we all do in fact possess the capacity to improve our lives if we really wanted to do so, the only question is if we care enough and are we willing to do what is necessary.

We have all seen instances when people have surmounted enormous obstacles to achieve success and we stand amazed at their ability.  But the real and constant truth in all these situations lies in the depth of commitment, the unwavering attitude and the belief in oneself, exhibited by the individual. For as long as man has lived on the planet there have been instances of people rising above their perceived limitations and then succeeding by dint of commitment and self-searching, and by listening to their inner voice when every one around gave up on them. The history books are overflowing with examples of people who have successfully demonstrated this ability. Such well known names as: -

-Vincent Van Gogh, one of the world’s most successful artists, whose work was rejected by every one, yet he persisted at his painting.

–Albert Einstein, one of the greatest mathematicians of all time who never spoke until age 3 and was considered by his teachers to be lazy and useless in childhood.

–Helen Keller, who despite a debilitating deaf-blind affliction at age 2 years, learned to read and write and went on to obtain a college bachelor degree.

–Beethoven, one of the most respected of the classical composers who lost his hearing early in his life, but continued on to produced immortal classics, driven by an inner voice of creativity.

These are but a few of the extremely large number of people who successfully overcame serious obstacles and followed their inner voices to glory.

 But this ability is by no means limited to a group of specially endowed or gifted people. The fact is that to a smaller or greater extent we all possess this potential and ability to achieve. But in most instances, because of past experiences and negative attitudes, we allow them to remain buried deep in our psyche by mountains of inadequacies and insecurities. As a result we end up convincing ourselves to ignore the voice crying out within us and instead recede into our own self-imposed prison of conformity.

In the end it always remains up to us individually, to do what is necessary to initiate and institute the changes needed to ‘find’ our true selves. James himself very effectively summarizes this attitude in the following way:

“Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact.”

Indeed, this single advice, taken to heart and applied strictly in everything we do or think of doing, will go a very long way to making our lives overflow with joy and satisfaction rather than being one of despair and regret.

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