Tuning out the noise is not as easy as it sounds and nor has it ever been. But why one may ask? It’s all too easy to become consumed by the quest for validation and conforming to the expectations of others. But this external noise often drowns out the inner wisdom trying to guide us toward authentic fulfillment on our own terms.
World-class athletes like snowboarder Travis Rice and surfer John John Florence offer inspiring examples of tuning out pressure and defining success internally rather than externally. Rather than bending to conventions, they uncompromisingly follow their own inner compass, reaching the pinnacle of their sports.
Creative legends from Ella Fitzgerald to Lin-Manuel Miranda similarly dismissed critics and societal expectations on their unconventional paths. By refusing to bend to comparison or the need to please, they achieved greatness by being true to their unique gifts.
The call to tune out the noise rings loudly for us all. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore practices for developing self-trust, cultivating intrinsic motivation, and defining success for yourself.
Learning to filter out judgment, superficial rewards, and the need for outside validation allows you to live with integrity to your values and purpose. The noise of the world becomes less important than the calling within.
Examining the Pull of External Validation When Tuning Out The Noise
Before learning to tune it out, let’s understand the lure of external validation and why it leads us astray:
Social approval – We’re wired to belong to the tribe. Social rewards like likes, praise, and attention tap into this primal need. But they’re fleeting highs.
Conformity – It feels safer to stay inside the lines of convention. But conformity sacrifices the adventurous fulfillment of defining our own path.
Competition – When we compare or compete with others for scarce resources and rewards, we lose connection to our intrinsic value.
Judgment – Fear of criticism or rejection causes us to contort ourselves to please rather than be authentic.
Materialism – We chase superficial status symbols, believing they will provide happiness and security. But possessions bring fleeting satisfaction.
Loss of purpose – Fixation on external goals like fame or wealth often disconnects us from passion and meaning. We grasp rather than express.
The relief is recognizing these tendencies in ourselves defuses a lot of their power. We can consciously choose where to direct our energy instead.
Practices for Building Self-Trust
Tuning out noise and knowing your inner truth requires developing self-trust. Some ways to cultivate this vital foundation:
Set healthy boundaries – Be clear on what behaviors you will and won’t accept from others. Stick to your limits. Boundaries teach others to respect you.
Catch inner criticism – Notice negative self-talk and reframe it with self-compassion. You wouldn’t talk that way to someone you cared for.
Examine core beliefs – Explore where you may have taken on limiting ideas about yourself or the world. Does this belief really align with your values?
Make self-care a priority – Attend to your needs for rest, healthy food, hydration, exercise, and fulfilling relationships. This builds self-worth.
Express yourself – Give voice to your thoughts, feelings, and creativity without censoring. The right people will appreciate your authentic expression.
Trust your hunch – Pay attention to your instincts and gut (hunch) feelings. Your inner wisdom knows what’s right for you especially when you take the time to slow down when tuning out the noise.
All external validation begins within. As Ralph Waldo Emerson famously said,
“Trust thyself.”
Adopting an Empowering Mindset
How we frame validation matters. Some empowering mindset principles:
You define success – Don’t let others determine your worth. Create your own standards aligned with your values. Comparison is the thief of joy.
Progress matters more than perfection – Applaud small steps forward. Each one builds your confidence and intrinsic motivation.
Mistakes are learning opportunities – If you fall short, ask “How can I grow from this?” rather than berating yourself. Release judgment.
Cultivate self-compassion – Treat yourself as you would a loved one. Hold your flaws and setbacks with gentle understanding.
Focus on intrinsic rewards – Tune into how activities make you feel moment to moment rather than seeking applause. Does this nourish you?
Remember impermanence – Pleasure and pain, praise and criticism all come and go. Anchor in your unchanged inner light.
Value your uniqueness – Appreciate your one-of-a-kind gifts and perspective. The purpose of life is joyful self-expression, not conformity.
Regularly adopting this supportive inner dialogue builds confidence to tune out noise and follow your north star.
Tuning Out The Noise Involves Staying Present
Since external validation is often rooted in past accomplishments or future expectations, staying present-focused helps mute its noise. Some ways to cultivate presence include:
Daily gratitude practice – Start each morning by appreciating life’s simple gifts right now like breath, senses, and mobility. This grounds you in abundance.
Single-task attention – When working, give 100% of your focus to the task at hand. Don’t fragment attention seeking rewards. Immersion brings flow.
Savor activities you love – Engage your passions with childlike wonder for the sheer joy of it. Delight in the process, not just anticipated results.
Accept all emotions – Don’t ignore or resist low feelings or wait for only “positive” ones to act. Accept all as impermanent experience.
Limit social media usage – Be intentional about when and how long you engage. Don’t unconsciously scroll seeking validation through comments and likes.
Staying grounded in the present connects you to intrinsic motivation and fulfillment beyond chasing external rewards.
Defining Success Your Way
Instead of absorbing society’s blueprint for success, thoughtfully define what it means to you. Some reflection questions:
- How do I want to feel about life when older? What would make it meaningful?
- What daily activities make me lose track of time and feel vibrant? Which drain me?
- What do I admire in people I see as authentic role models? How could I exemplify those qualities?
- What accomplishments would feel aligned with my core values, not just ego? How will I measure a life well lived?
- What do I truly want people to remember me for? What feels like my unique contribution?
Your definition of success becomes clearer when you tune out the noise and consult your inner wisdom. Live by your own standards, not the fleeting whims of public opinion.
Staying True to YOUR Purpose
Realigning with your deeper purpose and values is essential for maintaining intrinsic motivation when noise arises. Some realignment practices:
- Review your core values and mission statement. Update if needed.
- Reread journals or memorable experiences where you felt fully authentic. Tap into that energy again.
- Surround yourself with inspiration – people, art, music, and environments that resonate with your purpose.
- Schedule regular check-ins to ask “How am I living true to myself and my calling right now? How could I get back on purpose?”
- If you feel yourself seeking validation, pause and ask “What do I truly want in this situation?” Get clear on your own motives.
Your purpose is the anchor that keeps you centered through external storms. By regularly reflecting on what fills you with meaning, you’ll stay the course.
The call to “tune out the noise” rings loudly amid the pressures and disturbances of the modern world. But by developing self-trust, cultivating presence, defining personal success and staying true to purpose, you can mute the noise and amplify the signal of your own inner compass.
Commit to this difficult but rewarding work when learning the art of tuning out the noise. The fulfillment you’ll discover will drown out any fleeting desire for noise. You’ve got this!
