[00:00:00] Hey everyone, welcome back to the Caffeinated Musings podcast. I'm Bilal, your host, your coffee companion, and hopefully someone who can help you navigate the often overwhelming world we're all living in.
[00:00:12] Today we're diving into a topic that's as relevant as it is personal. The constant noise in our lives. Not the literal kind like your neighbor's dog or construction at 7am, but the metaphorical noise.
[00:00:25] Opinions, expectations, trends, and advice that seem to flood us every waking moment. Have you ever had one of those days where everyone, your colleagues, your family, even strangers on the internet seems to have an opinion about your life?
[00:00:41] I've been there. In fact, just last week I found myself scrolling through my social media feed, overwhelmed by a mix of success stories, life advice, and, well, unsolicited opinions.
[00:00:52] It hit me how easy it is to lose track of our own voice in the middle of all this noise.
[00:00:58] And let's face it, we're not just talking about big decisions here. Sometimes it's the small, everyday things like what to wear, what to eat, or even how to spend your weekend that can feel like a battleground for external opinions.
[00:01:10] This episode is about helping you build your very own noise filter.
[00:01:15] We're going to talk about the types of noise we face every day, from societal expectations to family pressures, from career demands to that relentless inner critic in our heads, some referred to as our dark side.
[00:01:27] And more importantly, we're going to explore how all this noise disconnects us from our true selves, and how it impacts our health, our growth, our careers, and most importantly, our inner peace.
[00:01:40] You see, noise isn't just background chatter. It's often a reflection of deeper societal and cultural dynamics.
[00:01:47] Think about the pressures to constantly achieve, to conform or to keep up.
[00:01:53] These aren't just random voices. They're rooted in a world that rewards busyness and punishes stillness.
[00:01:59] And the toll it takes? It's not just emotional, it's physical.
[00:02:05] Stress, anxiety, and burnout are just some of the costs of letting the noise dictate our lives.
[00:02:11] Now, don't get me wrong. Some noise can be downright funny.
[00:02:15] Like that one friend who's convinced you need to try their gluten-free, sugar-free, joy-free diet.
[00:02:20] Or the colleague who thinks adding buzzwords like synergy and disruption to every sentence is the secret to success.
[00:02:28] We've all got those moments, and hey, they make life interesting.
[00:02:32] But when the noise becomes too much, it's time to pause and reflect.
[00:02:39] So, here's what we'll do.
[00:02:41] First, we'll break down the different types of noise and how they show up in our lives.
[00:02:47] Then we'll take a raw, honest look at the negative impact this noise has on us.
[00:02:53] And finally, I'll share some actionable strategies to help you tune out the noise and align with your true self.
[00:03:00] Grab your coffee, take a deep breath, and let's get started.
[00:03:04] This might just be the most important conversation you have with yourself.
[00:03:08] As we step into a new year.
[00:03:35] Noise is everywhere.
[00:03:37] It's the unsolicited advice from family, the endless stream of Instagram highlights,
[00:03:42] the societal expectations that tell you what success should look like,
[00:03:46] and even that little voice inside your head criticizing your every move.
[00:03:51] It's relentless, isn't it?
[00:03:53] And the funny thing is, most of this noise doesn't even come from a bad place.
[00:03:59] Often, it's well-meaning people like friends, mentors, or even our parents thinking they're helping us.
[00:04:06] But what they don't realize is that their voices, layered on top of everything else we already hear,
[00:04:12] can drown out the one voice that truly matters.
[00:04:15] Our own.
[00:04:16] Take a moment to think about the different kinds of noise you encounter every day.
[00:04:21] Maybe it's your family weighing in on what they think your career should look like.
[00:04:27] When are you getting that promotion?
[00:04:29] Or shouldn't you be thinking about buying a house by now?
[00:04:32] Perhaps it's society telling you that if you're not hustling 24-7, you're falling behind.
[00:04:38] And let's not forget the constant bombardment from social media,
[00:04:41] those highlight reels of people's lives that make us feel like we're perpetually two steps behind.
[00:04:47] Each of these is a layer of noise building up until it becomes deafening.
[00:04:53] Early in my career, I let the noise get to me.
[00:04:56] I surrounded myself with so-called thought leaders who seemed to have all the answers.
[00:05:01] These were people with impressive titles and years of experience,
[00:05:04] and I thought, surely they must know better than I do.
[00:05:08] But what I didn't see at the time was that many of them were projecting
[00:05:11] their own insecurities and unresolved issues onto others.
[00:05:14] Their advice, while polished and confident,
[00:05:18] wasn't rooted in my reality or aligned with my goals.
[00:05:21] It was only when I stepped back, silenced their influence,
[00:05:25] and asked myself what I truly wanted that I found the clarity to start my own company.
[00:05:30] That decision, made with courage, proper planning, and a dose of luck,
[00:05:35] changed everything for me.
[00:05:37] And it's not just about career noise.
[00:05:40] Think about the societal pressures we face in every aspect of our lives.
[00:05:43] How should you spend your days off?
[00:05:46] What hobbies should you have?
[00:05:47] What sports shall we practice?
[00:05:49] Even something as personal as your sense of humor can come under scrutiny.
[00:05:54] I've had people critique mine,
[00:05:56] telling me to tone it down or change it to fit their idea of what's appropriate.
[00:06:00] For years I adjusted myself to fit these expectations,
[00:06:04] only to realize later that I felt disconnected from who I truly was.
[00:06:08] It's exhausting trying to meet everyone's standards, isn't it?
[00:06:12] Now this isn't just anecdotal.
[00:06:14] There's plenty of research showing how societal and cultural expectations amplify noise.
[00:06:19] In collectivist cultures, for instance,
[00:06:22] the emphasis on community often means prioritizing the group's needs over your own desires.
[00:06:29] While this can foster incredible support systems,
[00:06:32] it also creates immense pressure to conform.
[00:06:35] On the flip side, individualistic cultures push the narrative of be your own person.
[00:06:39] But even that comes with its own brand of noise.
[00:06:43] The pressure to stand out, to be exceptional in a world where everyone else is trying to do the same.
[00:06:49] And let's not forget the toll this noise takes on our mental health.
[00:06:55] Studies have shown that constant exposure to conflicting opinions and unattainable expectations
[00:07:01] can lead to stress, anxiety, and even burnout.
[00:07:04] A global study conducted by the World Health Organization found that nearly one in four people
[00:07:10] experienced significant stress linked to societal pressures and conflicting demands,
[00:07:14] making it a universal issue transcending borders and cultures.
[00:07:18] In fact, a 2021 survey by the American Psychological Association
[00:07:23] found that nearly 80% of adults reported experiencing stress
[00:07:26] due to conflicting demands and pressures in their lives.
[00:07:30] Noise isn't just annoying, it's harmful.
[00:07:33] Here's the bad news.
[00:07:35] Noise is inevitable.
[00:07:37] We can't stop people from having opinions,
[00:07:39] and we can't unplug from society entirely,
[00:07:42] though the thought of retreating to a quiet cabin in the woods
[00:07:45] does sound tempting some days.
[00:07:47] Trust me, I've done it.
[00:07:49] Twice.
[00:07:50] But we can learn to manage the noise.
[00:07:52] The first step is recognizing the different types of noise in our lives
[00:07:56] and understanding how they affect us.
[00:07:58] Maybe the noise from family comes from a place of love,
[00:08:01] but lacks alignment with your dreams.
[00:08:04] Maybe the career advice from that colleague is well-intentioned,
[00:08:08] but rooted in their fears, not our potential.
[00:08:12] And maybe that self-critical voice in our heads
[00:08:14] is just an echo of all the external noise we've absorbed over the years.
[00:08:20] Once we can identify the sources,
[00:08:21] we're already halfway to filtering them out.
[00:08:25] We'll get into the practical steps for managing this noise in the next part of the episode.
[00:08:30] But for now, I want you to sit with this thought.
[00:08:33] Noise will always be there,
[00:08:35] but it doesn't have to control you.
[00:08:38] You have the power to tune it out,
[00:08:40] to choose what's worth listening to,
[00:08:42] and to let go of the rest.
[00:08:45] Because at the end of the day,
[00:08:46] the only voice that should guide your life
[00:08:48] is your own.
[00:08:50] Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice.
[00:08:54] Steve Jobs.
[00:08:55] Can I be honest for a minute?
[00:08:57] I believe noise is more than just annoying,
[00:08:59] which is the politically correct way to say it.
[00:09:01] It's plain destructive.
[00:09:02] The constant barrage of external opinions,
[00:09:05] societal expectations,
[00:09:07] and unsolicited advice doesn't just clutter our minds,
[00:09:10] it chips away at who we are.
[00:09:12] When we let the noise dictate our choices,
[00:09:15] we start to lose the essence of ourselves.
[00:09:18] That's when the real trouble begins.
[00:09:21] Have you ever felt like you were living someone else's life?
[00:09:24] Maybe you took a job because everyone said it was the smart thing to do,
[00:09:28] or you avoided pursuing a passion because
[00:09:30] people said it wasn't practical.
[00:09:33] Over time, these compromises pile up,
[00:09:35] and suddenly you're standing in the mirror wondering,
[00:09:38] who am I really?
[00:09:40] That's the first big consequence of noise.
[00:09:43] A loss of authenticity.
[00:09:44] We bend and mold ourselves to fit the expectations of others,
[00:09:48] often at the expense of our own identity.
[00:09:51] And it doesn't stop there.
[00:09:53] The more we give in to external pressures,
[00:09:55] the more we disconnect from our true selves.
[00:09:58] It's like trying to tune into your favorite radio station,
[00:10:00] only to hear static,
[00:10:02] because all the other stations are bleeding through.
[00:10:05] The second consequence?
[00:10:07] Emotional and mental exhaustion.
[00:10:10] Noise leads to chronic stress,
[00:10:12] low self-esteem,
[00:10:13] and decision fatigue.
[00:10:14] Think about it.
[00:10:15] Every time you let someone else's opinion override your own,
[00:10:19] it chips away at your confidence.
[00:10:20] It's draining.
[00:10:22] Have you ever caught yourself saying yes to something
[00:10:24] just to avoid the discomfort of explaining no?
[00:10:27] A 2022 Global Mental Health Report revealed
[00:10:31] that more than 25% of individuals experienced heightened anxiety
[00:10:35] due to societal expectations and conflicting advice.
[00:10:38] This isn't just an abstract problem,
[00:10:41] it's a tangible crisis.
[00:10:43] Then there's the impact on career.
[00:10:46] Let's say you're stuck in a job you hate
[00:10:49] because you followed someone else's definition of success.
[00:10:52] Maybe it was a parent who said,
[00:10:54] you need a stable job,
[00:10:55] or a mentor who insisted,
[00:10:57] this is the only way to climb the ladder.
[00:10:59] By the time you realize you've been climbing the wrong ladder,
[00:11:02] you've wasted years of potential growth
[00:11:04] in a role that doesn't align with your talents or aspirations.
[00:11:09] The ripple effects of noise don't stop at career.
[00:11:13] They spill into every corner of your life.
[00:11:16] How often do we let societal expectations dictate
[00:11:18] how we spend our time?
[00:11:21] You've probably heard phrases like,
[00:11:23] you should settle down by this age,
[00:11:25] or if you're not working harder, you're falling behind.
[00:11:29] These narratives are exhausting and frankly unattainable.
[00:11:33] They make us feel like we're in a constant race
[00:11:36] where the finish line keeps moving.
[00:11:39] And let's not overlook the humor in all this.
[00:11:42] As I mentioned earlier in the intro,
[00:11:44] some expectations are downright absurd
[00:11:46] when you think about them.
[00:11:48] Like that one time I had someone tell me
[00:11:50] that my sense of humor wasn't polished enough
[00:11:52] for professional settings.
[00:11:55] Imagine trying to filter your laughter
[00:11:57] to make it corporate friendly.
[00:11:58] It's laughable, literally and figuratively.
[00:12:01] But beneath that humor is a real weight.
[00:12:04] A constant effort
[00:12:05] to fit into molds
[00:12:07] that were never made for us.
[00:12:09] By the way, that same person
[00:12:11] did not know how to laugh.
[00:12:13] It wasn't that he wasn't funny
[00:12:14] or he was serious at work all the time.
[00:12:16] He was just downright depressed.
[00:12:18] How ironic.
[00:12:19] But in all seriousness,
[00:12:21] the cumulative effect
[00:12:23] of trying to meet everyone's expectations
[00:12:25] is overwhelming.
[00:12:27] We end up spreading ourselves too thin,
[00:12:29] juggling roles and identities
[00:12:31] that don't even resonate with us.
[00:12:33] The result?
[00:12:35] Burnout.
[00:12:35] A sense of emptiness.
[00:12:37] And a nagging feeling that something's missing.
[00:12:40] It's not just about being tired.
[00:12:43] It's about waking up one day
[00:12:44] and realizing you don't even recognize
[00:12:47] the person in the mirror anymore.
[00:12:49] So, what can we do?
[00:12:51] The first step is acknowledging the damage.
[00:12:54] Recognize the toll that noise has taken
[00:12:55] on your mental health,
[00:12:56] your career,
[00:12:57] and your sense of self.
[00:12:59] Picture what it would feel like
[00:13:01] to set all that noise down,
[00:13:03] just for a moment.
[00:13:04] To stop carrying everyone else's expectations
[00:13:06] and listen to your own voice
[00:13:08] for the first time in years.
[00:13:10] Because only when we see the problem clearly
[00:13:12] can we begin to reclaim control.
[00:13:15] Now, the good news?
[00:13:16] This isn't a permanent state.
[00:13:18] You can take back the reins
[00:13:20] and rebuild a life that's true to you.
[00:13:22] How much of your life is truly your own,
[00:13:24] and how much of it has been shaped by the noise?
[00:13:27] Sit with that for a while.
[00:13:29] It might just be the most important question
[00:13:31] you ask yourself today.
[00:13:33] Let's take a moment to step back
[00:13:35] and think about what it really means
[00:13:37] to find clarity amidst all the noise.
[00:13:40] It's not about shutting the world out completely.
[00:13:42] We can't escape every voice,
[00:13:44] every opinion,
[00:13:45] or every expectation.
[00:13:46] Instead, it's about creating a filter
[00:13:48] that helps you tune into what matters most
[00:13:51] and let the rest fade into the background.
[00:13:53] The first step in building this filter is defining your true north.
[00:13:57] Your true north is just your core values,
[00:14:00] the stuff that really matters to you,
[00:14:02] and what keeps you going.
[00:14:03] But here's the tricky part.
[00:14:05] How often do we actually sit down
[00:14:08] and define these things for ourselves?
[00:14:11] If you're like most people,
[00:14:12] the answer is probably not often enough.
[00:14:15] It's like knowing the GPS coordinates
[00:14:16] of where you want to go,
[00:14:18] but never plugging them in.
[00:14:19] You're wandering,
[00:14:20] hoping you'll magically arrive
[00:14:22] somewhere meaningful.
[00:14:23] Here's a simple exercise to get started.
[00:14:26] Grab a notebook or even the Notes app
[00:14:28] on your phone
[00:14:28] and write down three to five things
[00:14:30] that are non-negotiable for you.
[00:14:32] Maybe it's creativity,
[00:14:33] maybe it's connection,
[00:14:34] or freedom,
[00:14:36] or making a meaningful impact.
[00:14:38] Whatever it is,
[00:14:40] write it down.
[00:14:41] Once you have it in front of you,
[00:14:43] ask yourself,
[00:14:44] am I living in alignment with these values?
[00:14:46] Chances are,
[00:14:47] you'll find areas where you've been swayed
[00:14:49] by external noise.
[00:14:51] That's okay.
[00:14:53] Awareness is the first step to change.
[00:14:55] Think about those moments
[00:14:56] when you've agreed to things you didn't want to
[00:14:58] just to avoid conflict.
[00:15:00] How did that feel afterward?
[00:15:02] That's the disconnect we're trying to avoid.
[00:15:06] When I first did this exercise,
[00:15:08] I realized how much of my life
[00:15:09] was shaped by what others thought I should do.
[00:15:12] Starting my own company
[00:15:13] wasn't just a career move.
[00:15:15] It was a decision to align my work
[00:15:18] with my values of independence and creativity.
[00:15:20] It wasn't easy,
[00:15:22] but having that clarity
[00:15:23] made the hard choices feel purposeful.
[00:15:26] And you know what?
[00:15:27] It's not just about big life decisions.
[00:15:29] Even the small ones.
[00:15:31] How you spend your weekends,
[00:15:33] how much you say yes to,
[00:15:34] or whether you let yourself relax without guilt,
[00:15:37] they all become clearer
[00:15:39] when you know your true north.
[00:15:41] Once you've defined your true north,
[00:15:43] the next step is curating your inputs.
[00:15:46] In a world overflowing with information,
[00:15:48] not everything deserves a spot on your radar.
[00:15:51] Think of your mind as a carefully tended garden.
[00:15:55] What are you allowing to grow there?
[00:15:57] Social media, for example,
[00:15:59] can be both a blessing and a curse.
[00:16:01] It connects us, inspires us,
[00:16:04] but it also overwhelms us
[00:16:06] with comparisons and distractions.
[00:16:08] One of the best things you can do
[00:16:10] is a digital detox.
[00:16:11] I know it's funny coming from someone like me.
[00:16:14] But we can start small.
[00:16:16] Unfollow accounts that drain your energy
[00:16:18] or make you feel less than.
[00:16:21] Mute notifications that don't add value to your day.
[00:16:25] And here's a radical idea.
[00:16:27] Take a day,
[00:16:28] just one day,
[00:16:29] completely offline.
[00:16:31] It's amazing how much clarity you gain
[00:16:33] when you're not bombarded
[00:16:34] with everyone else's highlight reels.
[00:16:36] The point isn't to disconnect forever.
[00:16:39] It's to create space
[00:16:41] for your own thoughts to breathe.
[00:16:43] Now imagine yourself Saturday morning.
[00:16:46] No phone buzzing,
[00:16:48] no notifications pulling at you.
[00:16:50] You grab your coffee,
[00:16:51] sit by the window or outside
[00:16:54] or wherever you feel comfortable and peaceful
[00:16:56] and just exist.
[00:16:58] That's when your own thoughts
[00:17:00] finally have a chance to catch up.
[00:17:02] Now let's talk about boundaries.
[00:17:04] This one is tough,
[00:17:06] isn't it?
[00:17:07] Saying no,
[00:17:08] especially to people we care about,
[00:17:10] feels uncomfortable.
[00:17:12] But here's the thing.
[00:17:13] Every time you say yes
[00:17:15] to something
[00:17:16] that doesn't align with your values,
[00:17:19] you're saying no to something that does.
[00:17:22] Boundaries aren't about shutting people out.
[00:17:24] They're there to keep you sane.
[00:17:26] I remember a time
[00:17:27] when I was overwhelmed
[00:17:28] with requests for advice and favors.
[00:17:31] On the surface,
[00:17:33] it seemed harmless.
[00:17:34] Helping people felt good.
[00:17:36] But over time,
[00:17:37] I realized I was spreading myself so thin
[00:17:40] that I had no energy left
[00:17:42] for the things that truly mattered to me.
[00:17:46] Learning to say,
[00:17:47] let me think about it,
[00:17:49] or even a polite but firm,
[00:17:51] no, I can't,
[00:17:52] was a game changer.
[00:17:54] The world didn't end
[00:17:55] and I felt a thousand times lighter.
[00:17:57] And sometimes,
[00:17:59] boundaries aren't just about saying no,
[00:18:01] they're about saying yes to yourself.
[00:18:03] Yes to resting.
[00:18:05] Yes to focusing on what makes you happy.
[00:18:08] Yes to protecting your time
[00:18:09] like the precious resource it is.
[00:18:12] Another key part of filtering noise
[00:18:14] is developing trust
[00:18:15] in your instincts.
[00:18:17] This one takes practice,
[00:18:18] especially if you've spent years
[00:18:20] second-guessing yourself.
[00:18:21] But your intuition
[00:18:22] is one of the most powerful tools
[00:18:24] you have.
[00:18:25] It's like a muscle.
[00:18:26] The more you use it,
[00:18:28] the stronger it gets.
[00:18:29] Here's a simple way to start.
[00:18:31] The next time you're faced
[00:18:33] with a decision,
[00:18:34] pause.
[00:18:35] Take a deep breath
[00:18:36] and notice how your body reacts.
[00:18:38] Does the thought of saying yes
[00:18:40] make your chest feel tight
[00:18:42] or your stomach churn?
[00:18:44] Or does it feel light
[00:18:45] and expansive?
[00:18:48] Your body often knows the answer
[00:18:50] before your mind does.
[00:18:52] Trust it.
[00:18:53] Think about a time
[00:18:54] when you ignored that gut feeling
[00:18:56] and regretted it later.
[00:18:57] Remember that?
[00:18:58] That's your body's way of saying
[00:19:00] I told you so.
[00:19:02] And then there's the magic
[00:19:04] of quiet moments.
[00:19:06] Isn't it funny how taking a break
[00:19:07] and sitting in silence
[00:19:09] feels almost like breaking the rules
[00:19:11] in today's hustle culture?
[00:19:13] But it's in those quiet moments
[00:19:14] that we reconnect with ourselves.
[00:19:18] Try this.
[00:19:19] I always talk about it.
[00:19:20] It's truly magical.
[00:19:22] Set aside five minutes a day
[00:19:24] to simply sit with your thoughts.
[00:19:26] No phone,
[00:19:28] no music,
[00:19:29] no distractions.
[00:19:30] Just you
[00:19:31] and your mind.
[00:19:33] It might feel awkward at first,
[00:19:35] like meeting an old friend
[00:19:36] you haven't spoken to in years.
[00:19:38] But over time,
[00:19:39] those moments of stillness
[00:19:41] become a sanctuary.
[00:19:42] And don't forget to keep
[00:19:43] the right people around you.
[00:19:45] Not all noise
[00:19:46] is bad.
[00:19:48] The right people,
[00:19:49] mentors,
[00:19:50] friends,
[00:19:50] or even a podcast host
[00:19:52] who gets you
[00:19:52] can be the encouragement
[00:19:54] you need
[00:19:54] to stay on track.
[00:19:56] Seek out communities
[00:19:57] that align with your values
[00:19:58] and uplift you.
[00:20:00] These are the voices
[00:20:01] worth tuning into.
[00:20:03] Think about it.
[00:20:05] Who are the people
[00:20:06] in your life
[00:20:07] whose advice leaves you
[00:20:08] feeling lighter,
[00:20:09] not heavier?
[00:20:11] Those are your people.
[00:20:13] Nobody gets it perfect
[00:20:14] right away.
[00:20:15] It's all about practicing
[00:20:16] and figuring it out
[00:20:17] as you go.
[00:20:18] Some days you'll feel like
[00:20:20] you've got it all figured out.
[00:20:21] Other days,
[00:20:22] the noise will creep back in.
[00:20:24] That's okay.
[00:20:25] The important thing
[00:20:27] is that you're trying,
[00:20:28] that you're trusting
[00:20:29] your own judgment
[00:20:30] above the background noise.
[00:20:32] And that,
[00:20:33] my friends,
[00:20:34] is a powerful choice.
[00:20:36] Sometimes the only way
[00:20:38] to truly understand
[00:20:39] how noise affects us
[00:20:40] is by reflecting
[00:20:41] on where it has led us astray.
[00:20:44] I've been there.
[00:20:45] And maybe you have too.
[00:20:47] Think back to a time
[00:20:48] when you let
[00:20:49] external opinions
[00:20:50] guide a major decision.
[00:20:52] Maybe it was taking
[00:20:53] that job
[00:20:54] everyone said
[00:20:54] was perfect for you
[00:20:56] or staying in a role
[00:20:57] because it was
[00:20:58] the safe thing to do.
[00:21:00] At first,
[00:21:01] it might have felt fine.
[00:21:04] Exciting even.
[00:21:05] But then,
[00:21:06] slowly,
[00:21:07] a nagging feeling crept in.
[00:21:08] That sense that
[00:21:10] something wasn't right.
[00:21:11] That you were living
[00:21:12] someone else's vision
[00:21:13] instead of your own.
[00:21:14] I can't tell you
[00:21:15] how many times
[00:21:16] I ignored that feeling
[00:21:17] early in my career
[00:21:18] and until recently
[00:21:19] still did.
[00:21:21] I said yes to opportunities
[00:21:22] that looked great on paper
[00:21:24] but left me feeling
[00:21:26] hollow inside.
[00:21:27] I spent years
[00:21:28] climbing ladders
[00:21:29] that didn't even lean
[00:21:30] against the walls
[00:21:31] I wanted to reach.
[00:21:32] One day,
[00:21:33] I realized I was
[00:21:34] so far off course
[00:21:35] that I didn't recognize
[00:21:36] the version of myself
[00:21:37] I had become.
[00:21:38] It was burnout,
[00:21:40] not just physical
[00:21:41] but emotional
[00:21:42] and even spiritual.
[00:21:44] That's the toll
[00:21:45] noise can take.
[00:21:46] And I'm not alone in this.
[00:21:48] Take a look at some
[00:21:48] of the most successful
[00:21:49] people you admire.
[00:21:51] If you dig into their stories,
[00:21:52] you'll find a common thread.
[00:21:54] At some point,
[00:21:55] they chose to ignore the noise
[00:21:56] and follow their own path.
[00:21:59] Think about Steve Jobs.
[00:22:00] He was famously fired
[00:22:02] from the company
[00:22:02] he co-founded
[00:22:03] because his vision
[00:22:04] didn't align
[00:22:05] with what others wanted.
[00:22:07] Imagine the noise
[00:22:08] he must have faced.
[00:22:10] Critics,
[00:22:11] doubts,
[00:22:12] and countless voices
[00:22:13] telling him to give up.
[00:22:14] But he came back,
[00:22:16] rebuilt Apple,
[00:22:17] and changed the world.
[00:22:18] His story isn't
[00:22:19] just about resilience,
[00:22:20] it's about tuning out
[00:22:21] the noise
[00:22:22] and staying true
[00:22:23] to what he believed in.
[00:22:25] Of course,
[00:22:26] the opposite is also true.
[00:22:27] There are so many stories
[00:22:29] of people
[00:22:29] who let noise
[00:22:30] dictate their lives,
[00:22:31] only to realize too late
[00:22:32] that they'd veered off course.
[00:22:34] Think about celebrities
[00:22:36] or leaders
[00:22:36] who chased trends
[00:22:37] or followed bad advice,
[00:22:39] only to see
[00:22:40] their careers falter.
[00:22:42] It's not always
[00:22:43] a dramatic fall from grace.
[00:22:45] Sometimes it's
[00:22:45] a quiet decline,
[00:22:47] a slow erosion
[00:22:48] of self-confidence
[00:22:48] and purpose
[00:22:50] until there's nothing
[00:22:51] left to give.
[00:22:52] It's easy to let noise
[00:22:53] take over
[00:22:54] because it often comes
[00:22:55] from people we care about.
[00:22:57] Family,
[00:22:57] friends,
[00:22:58] mentors,
[00:22:59] they mean well,
[00:22:59] but their advice
[00:23:01] isn't always right for us.
[00:23:03] I remember a friend
[00:23:04] telling me,
[00:23:04] you should play it safe
[00:23:06] and stick to what you know.
[00:23:08] They weren't trying
[00:23:09] to hold me back.
[00:23:11] They were projecting
[00:23:12] their own fears onto me.
[00:23:13] And for a while,
[00:23:14] I listened.
[00:23:16] But the longer
[00:23:17] I stayed in that comfort zone,
[00:23:19] the more stagnant
[00:23:20] I felt.
[00:23:21] Breaking out of that
[00:23:22] wasn't just
[00:23:23] a career move.
[00:23:24] It was an act
[00:23:25] of self-preservation.
[00:23:27] When you start
[00:23:27] filtering the noise,
[00:23:29] something incredible
[00:23:29] happens.
[00:23:30] You begin to notice
[00:23:31] small changes first.
[00:23:32] Moments of clarity
[00:23:33] where your decisions
[00:23:34] feel lighter,
[00:23:35] more authentic.
[00:23:36] Over time,
[00:23:37] those moments add up.
[00:23:38] And you start
[00:23:39] living a life
[00:23:39] that feels like
[00:23:40] yours again.
[00:23:42] It's not perfect,
[00:23:43] but it's real.
[00:23:45] And there's a piece
[00:23:46] that comes with that.
[00:23:48] Let's talk about
[00:23:49] the benefits
[00:23:49] of reducing noise
[00:23:50] because
[00:23:50] they're profound.
[00:23:53] First,
[00:23:54] there's focus.
[00:23:55] When you're not
[00:23:55] constantly pulled
[00:23:56] in a million directions
[00:23:57] by external opinions,
[00:23:59] you can actually
[00:24:00] concentrate on
[00:24:00] what matters.
[00:24:01] Your energy
[00:24:02] isn't wasted
[00:24:03] on second-guessing
[00:24:04] every move.
[00:24:05] You start making
[00:24:06] decisions with confidence
[00:24:07] and that confidence
[00:24:08] becomes a kind of fuel
[00:24:10] that keeps you
[00:24:11] moving forward.
[00:24:12] Then,
[00:24:13] there's the mental freedom.
[00:24:16] Imagine not having
[00:24:17] to carry the weight
[00:24:18] of everyone else's
[00:24:19] expectations.
[00:24:19] It's like shedding
[00:24:20] a heavy backpack
[00:24:21] you didn't even realize
[00:24:22] you were wearing.
[00:24:23] You feel lighter,
[00:24:25] more capable,
[00:24:25] and most importantly,
[00:24:27] more at peace.
[00:24:27] And let's not forget
[00:24:29] growth.
[00:24:30] Real,
[00:24:31] meaningful growth
[00:24:32] only happens
[00:24:33] when you're aligned
[00:24:34] with your purpose.
[00:24:35] It's hard to stretch
[00:24:36] yourself and take risks
[00:24:38] when you're too busy
[00:24:39] trying to meet
[00:24:39] other people's standards.
[00:24:41] By cutting through
[00:24:42] the noise,
[00:24:43] you give yourself
[00:24:44] the space to explore,
[00:24:46] to fail,
[00:24:47] and to succeed
[00:24:47] on your own terms.
[00:24:49] This isn't easy work.
[00:24:51] There will be days
[00:24:53] when the noise
[00:24:53] feels overwhelming,
[00:24:55] when you doubt yourself
[00:24:57] and wonder if
[00:24:58] tuning it out
[00:24:59] is even worth it.
[00:24:59] But let me tell you,
[00:25:01] it is.
[00:25:02] Because
[00:25:02] the alternative
[00:25:04] is staying stuck,
[00:25:05] living a life
[00:25:06] shaped by everyone else
[00:25:07] but you,
[00:25:08] and you deserve
[00:25:09] better than that.
[00:25:10] So,
[00:25:11] here's my challenge
[00:25:12] for you.
[00:25:12] Take a moment today
[00:25:14] or tomorrow,
[00:25:14] just one moment,
[00:25:15] to think about
[00:25:16] the noise in your life.
[00:25:17] Who or what
[00:25:18] is the loudest?
[00:25:19] And more importantly,
[00:25:20] is it helping you
[00:25:21] or holding you back?
[00:25:22] You don't have to have
[00:25:24] all the answers
[00:25:24] right away,
[00:25:25] but asking the question
[00:25:26] is a powerful start
[00:25:27] because the more
[00:25:29] you tune out the noise,
[00:25:30] the more you'll hear
[00:25:31] the one voice
[00:25:31] that truly matters,
[00:25:33] your own.
[00:25:35] We've covered a lot
[00:25:36] today,
[00:25:37] haven't we?
[00:25:38] From understanding
[00:25:39] the different types
[00:25:39] of noise
[00:25:40] that cloud our lives,
[00:25:41] to reflecting on
[00:25:42] the toll it takes,
[00:25:43] to exploring ways
[00:25:45] we can build a filter
[00:25:46] to protect
[00:25:47] what truly matters.
[00:25:48] But here's the thing,
[00:25:49] it doesn't end
[00:25:51] with just listening
[00:25:52] to this podcast.
[00:25:53] The real change
[00:25:54] happens when you
[00:25:55] take these insights
[00:25:56] and start applying
[00:25:57] them in your life.
[00:25:58] As we step into
[00:26:00] a new year,
[00:26:00] I want to leave you
[00:26:01] with a challenge
[00:26:02] and a gift.
[00:26:04] The challenge is simple
[00:26:05] but powerful.
[00:26:07] Commit to aligning
[00:26:08] with your true self
[00:26:09] as your resolution.
[00:26:11] Forget about the
[00:26:12] get fit
[00:26:13] or work harder
[00:26:14] resolutions that
[00:26:15] often leave us
[00:26:16] feeling more burnt out
[00:26:17] than fulfilled.
[00:26:18] Instead,
[00:26:19] ask yourself this,
[00:26:19] how can I get
[00:26:21] closer to who
[00:26:21] I really am?
[00:26:23] If you're not sure
[00:26:24] where to start,
[00:26:25] that's okay.
[00:26:27] Even small steps
[00:26:28] like setting a boundary,
[00:26:30] unfollowing a toxic
[00:26:31] account,
[00:26:31] or spending five
[00:26:32] quiet minutes
[00:26:33] with yourself
[00:26:33] can create
[00:26:35] a ripple effect.
[00:26:36] And here's the gift,
[00:26:38] permission.
[00:26:39] Permission to say
[00:26:40] no to things
[00:26:40] that don't serve you.
[00:26:42] Permission to stop
[00:26:43] trying to meet
[00:26:43] everyone else's
[00:26:44] expectations.
[00:26:45] Permission to take up
[00:26:46] space as your
[00:26:47] full authentic self.
[00:26:48] Because the truth is,
[00:26:50] nobody else can give you
[00:26:51] that permission
[00:26:52] but you.
[00:26:53] Let's talk about
[00:26:54] some practical steps
[00:26:55] you can take right now.
[00:26:57] First,
[00:26:58] take five minutes
[00:26:58] today to reflect.
[00:27:00] Grab a piece of paper
[00:27:01] or open a blank note
[00:27:02] on your phone
[00:27:03] and write down
[00:27:04] what's been weighing
[00:27:05] on you.
[00:27:06] Whose voices have been
[00:27:07] the loudest in your life?
[00:27:08] Are they helping
[00:27:10] or holding you back?
[00:27:11] Naming those sources
[00:27:12] of noise
[00:27:13] is the first step
[00:27:14] to filtering them out.
[00:27:15] Next,
[00:27:16] think about one thing,
[00:27:17] just one,
[00:27:18] that you can let go
[00:27:19] of this week.
[00:27:21] Maybe it's skipping
[00:27:22] that event
[00:27:22] you've been dreading
[00:27:23] or politely declining
[00:27:25] that extra work project
[00:27:26] that doesn't align
[00:27:26] with your goals.
[00:27:27] Start small
[00:27:28] and notice how it feels.
[00:27:30] Does it feel lighter?
[00:27:31] Freer?
[00:27:33] That's the beginning
[00:27:34] of reclaiming
[00:27:35] your time and energy.
[00:27:36] Finally,
[00:27:37] make time for stillness.
[00:27:38] It doesn't have to be
[00:27:39] a full-on meditation session,
[00:27:41] though if that's your thing,
[00:27:42] go for it.
[00:27:44] It could be as simple
[00:27:45] as a quiet cup of tea
[00:27:46] or coffee in the morning
[00:27:47] and letting your thoughts settle.
[00:27:50] These moments of calm
[00:27:51] are where your own voice
[00:27:52] gets louder
[00:27:53] and the noise
[00:27:54] starts to fade.
[00:27:56] Before I wrap up,
[00:27:58] I want to leave you
[00:27:58] with one last thought.
[00:28:00] The noise will always be there,
[00:28:02] but you have the power
[00:28:04] to decide how much
[00:28:05] of it gets in.
[00:28:05] It's not about building walls
[00:28:07] or isolating yourself.
[00:28:08] It's about creating a filter
[00:28:10] that lets the good stuff in
[00:28:12] while keeping the rest out.
[00:28:14] And when you do that,
[00:28:15] you'll find something incredible
[00:28:17] on the other side.
[00:28:18] Clarity,
[00:28:19] peace,
[00:28:20] and the confidence
[00:28:21] to live life
[00:28:22] on your own terms.
[00:28:24] Thank you for sharing
[00:28:25] this time with me today.
[00:28:26] I hope this episode
[00:28:28] resonated with you
[00:28:28] and I hope it gave you
[00:28:29] something to think about
[00:28:30] as we head into the new year.
[00:28:32] If you enjoyed this episode,
[00:28:34] please don't forget
[00:28:34] to like, subscribe,
[00:28:35] and comment.
[00:28:36] And I'd love to hear from you.
[00:28:37] And if you know someone
[00:28:38] who might need this message,
[00:28:40] please share it with them.
[00:28:41] Who knows?
[00:28:42] It might be exactly
[00:28:44] what they need to hear
[00:28:45] right now.
[00:28:46] Here's to a new year
[00:28:47] where you find the courage
[00:28:49] to tune out the noise,
[00:28:51] embrace the stillness,
[00:28:53] and step boldly
[00:28:54] into the life
[00:28:55] that feels most true to you.
[00:28:57] May it be
[00:28:58] a year of clarity,
[00:29:00] purpose,
[00:29:01] and the quiet confidence
[00:29:02] that comes from knowing
[00:29:04] your living life
[00:29:05] on your own terms.
[00:29:08] One more thing.
[00:29:09] I just wanted to let you know
[00:29:10] there won't be an episode
[00:29:11] next Tuesday,
[00:29:12] December 31st.
[00:29:13] I'm taking a short break
[00:29:14] for the holidays,
[00:29:15] but I'll be back
[00:29:15] with episode 8
[00:29:16] on January 7th.
[00:29:17] So take this time
[00:29:19] to reflect,
[00:29:20] recharge,
[00:29:21] and maybe revisit
[00:29:22] some of the ideas
[00:29:23] we've talked about today.
[00:29:25] Until then,
[00:29:26] take care of yourself
[00:29:27] and keep tuning
[00:29:28] into the voice
[00:29:28] that matters most.
[00:29:30] Your own.