The Voice in the Back of Your Mind: A Call to Personal Growth

The Voice in the Back of Your Mind: A Call to Personal Growth

You know that persistent thought that keeps resurfacing, nagging for attention? This thought, elusive yet always present, beckons us to consider its significance and take action. It might be an unfulfilled dream, a relationship needing mending, or a lingering doubt about our chosen path. The world’s greatest thinkers offer profound insights into its role in our lives and what to do about it.

Philosopher Søren Kierkegaard spoke of the “anxiety of freedom,” the idea that our choices define us, and with this freedom comes the weight of responsibility. I would argue that this so-called freedom can be heavy to carry.

But this recurring thought may represent a crossroads in our lives, a choice yet to be made that could significantly alter our path. Psychiatrists and spiritual teachers would argue that these thoughts are manifestations of the unconscious mind or our deepest self, and urge us to consider them to grow as a person.

What we choose to do on our path will largely depend on our interests and preferences in life. For example, Buddhists would hope we cultivate compassion and awareness, whereas psychiatrists may say that it holds the gem that would make us break free from unhealthy patterns.

To me, the thoughts in the back of our mind are like billboard signs that we know what we actually need. Ignoring them, however, can result in a sense of stagnation or regret. I have surely felt this regret.

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Existential philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre would say that denying our true desires and thoughts leads to “bad faith,” a state of self-deception that prevents authentic living. If I do something really stupid and act in bad faith towards myself, my heart rate would suddenly go up and I may feel anxious. If I ignore this voice for long, it will slowly push me into a sense of losing myself.

Sartre described bad faith as the condition of living inauthentically by refusing to acknowledge our freedom and the responsibilities that come with it. When we ignore these persistent thoughts, we are often avoiding uncomfortable truths about our desires and potential, thus living in bad faith.

It’s important to recognize that staying in a state of bad faith is a common aspect of human nature. It can be driven by fear, societal pressure, or a deep-seated desire for security. Often, the path of least resistance is to conform to expectations—whether they come from family, society, or our own internalized beliefs. This conformity provides a sense of stability and acceptance, even if it means living a life that doesn’t fully resonate with our true selves.

It’s comforting to know that we are but mere humans.

Making the choice to confront these persistent thoughts can be daunting. I would say that the upheaval of the status quo is scary. The fear of failure and the potential for disappointment are other powerful deterrents. It’s easier to push these thoughts aside, convincing ourselves that they are unimportant or that we have time to address them later. Days turn into months and years. On my deathbed, I sincerely hope I have listened to my own voice throughout life and therefore have lived up to my potential.

Acting on these persistent thoughts requires courage and self-reflection. It involves recognizing their importance and the potential they hold for our development. As we consider these thoughts, we must ask ourselves: What is this thought trying to tell me? What actions can I take to address it? By doing so, we take responsibility for our lives and set ourselves on a path toward greater fulfillment.

By understanding the origins and implications of these thoughts, and by having the courage to act, we can transform them from mere whispers into wisdom from ourselves to guide our journey through life. It may be human nature to sometimes live in bad faith, but it is within our power to break free and pursue a more genuine, meaningful existence.