book.chapter Discover your voice

To truly find one's voice is to immerse oneself in endeavors that not only utilize one's innate abilities but also ignite one's deepest passions. It is about pursuing a path of significance in one's career, recognizing an unfulfilled need, and then fully deploying every ounce of talent and enthusiasm to fulfill that need. Finding one's voice is synonymous with choosing a journey towards excellence rather than succumbing to the mediocrity that often pervades our lives. For many individuals, the greatest source of frustration stems from the realization that their lives are not aligned with the pursuit of greatness and meaningful contribution. Instead, they find themselves entrenched in careers that operate at a fraction of their potential. They are acutely aware of the vast array of challenges and issues that plague society, yet they lack the internal fortitude and ethical authority to be a catalyst for change. To surmount this obstacle, it is imperative to embark on a personal quest to discover one's unique voice. This discovery ignites an internal flame that fuels an unwavering drive and commitment. However, to truly unearth one's voice, one must first grasp a straightforward philosophy of life. A holistic individual comprises four fundamental elements: a physical body, an independent and analytical mind, an emotional heart, and a philosophical or spiritual center known as the soul. Each of these elements is driven by a core need or motivation: the body's need to sustain life, the mind's desire for knowledge, the heart's yearning for love, and the spirit's aspiration to create a lasting legacy. The most elevated expressions of these human capacities are discipline for the body, vision for the mind, passion for the heart, and conscience for the spirit. When one begins to comprehend, honor, and ultimately harmonize these noble expressions, a powerful synergy emerges. This energy revitalizes the individual, awakening them to their true potential. By engaging in work that leverages one's talents and passions, and addresses the callings of one's conscience, one discovers their voice. This is often characterized as finding one's true calling or unlocking the code of one's soul. The human voice is distinct and significant because it resides at the confluence of one's innate talents, fervent passions, the necessity to earn a livelihood through valuable contributions, and the guiding compass of one's conscience. This intersection is where one's unique voice is found. The challenge of life is to uncover this distinctive voice, which lies dormant in the potential bestowed upon us at birth. When this potential is realized, one no longer feels at the mercy of their circumstances but instead stands in a position of strength, ready to confidently stride into the future. Buckminster Fuller poignantly observed that every child is born with genius-level potential, but the vast majority are inadvertently stripped of this brilliance by the influence of adults. Stephen Covey suggests that by adopting four simple assumptions, one can immediately begin to lead a more balanced, integrated, and powerful life. These assumptions are tailored to each aspect of our being: for the body, live as if recovering from a heart attack; for the mind, prepare as if the relevance of your profession has a two-year expiration; for the heart, communicate as if those you speak of are listening; and for the spirit, conduct yourself as if you are in constant dialogue with your Creator. These principles, Covey assures, will tap into a newfound reservoir of strength and integrity. Henry David Thoreau once remarked on the disproportionate effort expended on superficial evils compared to the few who address the root causes. The greatest achievers throughout history share a commonality: through persistent effort and intense internal struggle, they have significantly expanded their talents, passions, needs, and conscience. In doing so, they have amplified the power of their voices, thereby extending their influence and reach. To express your voice more decisively and distinctively, you must endeavor to build your capacities in four dimensions: vision, discipline, passion, and conscience. Vision involves seeing a future state with the mind's eye before it materializes, applying imagination to foresee what can be. Great leaders recognize untapped potential and inspire others towards it. Discipline is the embodiment of willpower, accepting reality and moving forward with determination. It often means deferring immediate gratification for a greater future reward. Passion is the relentless drive from within, motivating individuals to shape their future. When one is passionate, they require no external supervision, as their motivation is self-derived. Conscience is the moral compass that guides us between right and wrong, urging us to choose superior paths over convenient ones. It transforms passion into compassion and fosters trust in relationships. Living by one's conscience ensures inner integrity and peace of mind. By applying these four dimensions to any role in life, one can find their voice within that role. The key lies in affirmatively answering four questions in each of life's primary roles: What need do I perceive in my family, community, or workplace? Which of my talents, if properly harnessed, could address that need? Does the opportunity to meet that need align with my passions? Does my conscience endorse my involvement in this endeavor? Covey asserts that when one's work unites a need with their talent and passion, power is unleashed. Conscience often provides the 'why,' vision clarifies the 'what,' discipline outlines the 'how,' and passion fuels the intensity behind all three. Wisdom, as Frances Hutcheson states, is the pursuit of the best ends through the best means. Leadership requires a four-dimensional approach: vision, reality, ethics, and courage. These dimensions encompass the intelligences and languages necessary for achieving meaningful, sustained results. Visionary leaders think expansively and are attuned to the deep structure of human consciousness and creative potential. To effect fundamental change and harness strength and energy, one must master the patterns that govern their mind: their worldview, beliefs about what they deserve, and what is possible. This is the essence of courage, as described by Peter Koestenbaum. Peter Drucker emphasizes that in the modern world, knowledge is the key resource, not labor, materials, or energy. Organizations often fail not because they cannot solve their problems, but because they are blind to them, as noted by John Gardiner. Gordon Hinckley, at the age of ninety-two, expressed a desire to remain active and purposeful, to face each day with determination, and to use his time to uplift and strengthen others. The presence and love of people provide him with the energy to continue his mission. Victor Hugo powerfully stated that there is nothing as potent as an idea whose time has come.