Chapter 4Time for Serious Reflection
Being aware of being aware of being. In other words, if I only know that I am but also know it, then I belong to the human species.
—Vladimir Nabokov
Now that you are more knowledgeable about the voices in your head, about where they came from, and about the critical role they play in the choices and decisions you make in life, let's turn the spotlight on your own private inner voice. Everyone possesses both a public and a private voice, but your private voice is closest to your inner core, your brain's central command center.
As Ethan Kross says in his excellent book Chatter, the inner voice is a basic feature of the human mind. Because one's inner voice plays such a critical role in decision‐making and sound judgment, the questions that follow will focus mainly on your private rather than your public voice. Turn your attention inward and respond to the following questions as thoughtfully and honestly as possible.
- At approximately what age did you become aware that you have a private inner voice?
- What is typically the tone and content of your inner voice?
1 2 3 4 5 Decidedly Negative & Destructive Decidedly Positive & Constructive - Would you be embarrassed or ashamed if your inner voice were made public?
1 2 3 4 5 Completely Ashamed & Embarrassed Completely Okay with It - What has been the trajectory of your inner voice over the past two years?
1 2 3 4 5 More Negative & Critical More Positive & Helpful
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