Is too much noise holding you back?

It’s loud out there, isn’t it?

There’s information firing at you from all directions. Everyone has an opinion about what you should or shouldn’t be doing. The best business model for coaches. The best way to stand out from the crowd. The best way to optimise your health, your money, your mornings.

All that noise – whether you’re consuming it consciously, or just seeing it in your periphery – makes it noisy in your noggin too, with not-always-helpful thoughts clamouring for attention.

And just like the ringing in your ears when you stand too close to the speaker at a raucous party, those thoughts carry on swirling and reverberating in your head long after you go home and try to get some sleep.

Thoughts about what you should or shouldn’t be doing in your business. Judgements about why it takes you so long to write a post when that person over there can do it in five minutes. Uncertainty about whether you’re on the right path, showing up in the right way, eating the right food, making the right amount of money.

I do a fairly decent job of shielding myself from the noise most of the time – I crave simplicity in my life and business, so shiny things have little appeal – but if I’m feeling low in energy, or if I let my guard down or have a small moment of self-doubt?

BAM!!!

It’s as though someone opened the door to a party and released a cacophony of music and raised voices.

If you’re an HSP (highly sensitive person) like me, you’re probably all too familiar with the feelings of overwhelm that result.

But even for people who relish the buzz, thrive in creativity and crave novelty, the constant stream of noise can still become too much.

Leaving you feeling a bit like this fella: 😵‍💫

Unable to think straight, focus or make decisions.

And even when you ARE able to focus on one thing – perhaps you’ve decided to map out a new group programme, for example - you still feel uneasy. Because what if you’re not doing it right? What if you should be doing something else?

It’s like looking over the shoulder of the person you’re speaking to at a party, just in case someone more interesting comes in. Or doing another lap of the room - watching more YouTube videos, going to more workshops, downloading more free resources - just in case you missed something.

But what if you already have the answers, information and expertise you need?

What if you already know what you need and want to do?

What if you were able to slap on some metaphorical ear defenders, tune out all the noise, and trust yourself?

But instead, too many people get stuck standing next to the speaker at the party, absorbing all the noise. And it’s fun at first –how amazing to have access to all this incredible information! But stand there too long, and it won’t be long before you’re unable to hear yourself think and start to get a headache.

And so nothing actually gets done. Which is a bit of a problem, because without action all that information and inspiration is pretty meaningless. Without action, there can be no progress.

Is any of this resonating for you?

Do you have periods where you feel overwhelmed by all the information, opinions, blueprints, quick fixes and ten-step plans that are coming at you from all directions?

The solution is simple, really:

Quiet.

Quiet time and quiet space to think.

To figure out what’s useful noise and what isn’t. (Noise isn’t inherently bad; it’s a beautiful thing, if you find the flavour that inspires and uplifts you. One person’s Slipknot is another person’s Mozart!)

To acknowledge that whilst the new shiny strategy you saw on Instagram might be great for someone else, it’s not right for you.

To go all in on the things you know work for you.

To decide on your next steps.

Wouldn’t that be lovely?

So if you’re feeling bombarded by noise right now, this is an invitation to protect your poor eardrums!

Take a few minutes to consider how you might carve out space to sit quietly, gather your thoughts and begin taking action that’ll get you closer to your goals.

It’s simple, but that doesn’t mean its easy. Particularly when we live in a fast-paced, noisy world that’s turned our attention into a valuable commodity.

So please - if it feels hard for you, be kind to yourself.

And remember it’s ok to ask for help. Whether that’s from me, or someone else.

If you’re reading this around the time it goes out in the world, the doors to Make It Happen Club are open right now.

Click here to find out more, and join us for a monthly dose of calm and quiet so you can work ON your business free from all the noise.