Do you talk to yourself?

I was recently chatting with a friend at a party. I haven’t seen or spoken to her in a while, so it was great to catch up. I was surprised to find out that she wasn’t happy with her job. I’ve only known her for a few short years, and I think she has always had the same job. As it turns out she’s not only a little put off by her company and clients, but is really hating the amount of travel. Especially airline travel. Travel can be overwhelming, but for people who do it for their job it can be intolerable. (I know this because my husband travels by plane 3-5 days each week). I hear the horror stories.

Anyway, during our conversation she said “I really want to quit. I want a new job.” After she said it her expression changed, she sort of lit up and she seemed surprised. She said, “There. I said it out loud.” The fact that she had voiced it out loud and to someone else, seemed to suddenly make it real. Maybe something that she could now act on. My reaction was that there were so many people at the party and if she said this “out loud” to everyone, who knows where it might lead. In all honesty, she would probably not find someone in the room that would have a job waiting for her, but maybe someone knew a person who knew a person. It registered with me and I would definitely keep my eyes and ears open for something I thought she might be interested in. Maybe by saying it “out loud” she would finally physically take action. Maybe ramp up the Linked In account or do some internet job searches. Maybe the boost she needed was simply voicing her thoughts.

When I woke the next day, this conversation was still with me. The part about saying what you mean out loud. I am currently business planning for the next year and voicing my goals out loud and to others is now at the top of my list. To tell people what I’m planning or doing. Not just thinking about it and letting it swirl around inside my head. But to actually say it and commit to it. As I write my goals down on paper, if I say it, I feel it will have more motivation behind it.

There is actually scientific evidence that shows that people who say things out loud to themselves will focus attention on a specific idea to elevate that intention. Letting something go and getting it out of your head can free a troubled mind and take a lot of weight off your shoulders. Saying it to someone else will most likely get support and recognition for the goal you are trying to achieve.

So what is it you have in your head that you could make happen if you said it out loud? Try it. Have a conversation with someone or tell your dog what’s up. Hearing yourself might help make your goal a reality.