Day 141 (A hundred & Forty-One) of 365 days
Have you ever used your voice to make a change or impact on the lives of others? Our voices can do big things and make huge changes in not only our lives but the lives of others. Today we live in a world where people are judged by the color of their skin, the clothes they wear, the way they talk, how they walk, and even their own beliefs.
Martin Luther King believed in equality for people of all races and religions. He believed people should be judged by the content of their character and not the color of their skin, and he used his voice to change the way things were in America. This is why it is so important for people to speak out and stand up for what they believe in.
In the professional world, opinions can be dangerous. Holding a controversial opinion can damage your reputation; stating an opinion that contradicts your boss’s can leave you vulnerable; voicing your opinion at the wrong time can make you appear foolish. However, holding your opinions back can be more damaging than speaking them. Opinions are what fuel momentum — all ideas, plans, and decisions begin and end with opinions, and if you consistently refrain from voicing yours, you’ll be doing both your employer and your career a disservice.
Having an opinion is a bigger personal milestone than it may seem. Voicing opinions makes you vulnerable, especially if you’re battling to build self-confidence. It may seem easier to regurgitate popular ideas and play to the mass appeal, but there is something to be said for developing your convictions and sticking to them. Whether you’re afraid to speak out about your political stances or personal preferences, comfortably and kindly speaking your mind can give you an incredible sense of inner peace and strength. While it seems scary to make a firm statement opposing popular perspective, it is one of the most liberating things you can accomplish.
Not everyone is going to agree with your opinions. Sometimes hostility becomes the knee-jerk reaction for someone who doesn’t agree with your standpoint. Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion, and usually strong feelings come attached to those opinions, which make for emotional conversations. Keep your cool, and don’t be scared away from sharing your feelings. The abrasiveness you feel when you’ve voiced your opinions is making you a stronger person. You’re earning your stripes in the world of self-confidence. Use the opportunity of open dialogue to listen to what the other person is saying. You’ll learn far more about a person while discussing an emotional opinion than you’ll ever learn through years of trivial conversations. You’ll also start to learn more about yourself.
Using your voice is the best way to ignite change. This is how you express your passions, your beliefs, and push for the change that you want to see in the world.