9 traits of people who successfully follow their inner voice

Graeme Richards by Graeme Richards | February 5, 2024, 8:08 pm

Listening to your inner voice can be challenging, but it’s often the secret behind many successful people.

The difference lies in the traits these individuals possess. Following your inner voice isn’t about whimsical daydreams; it’s about making calculated decisions based on your intuition and deepest desires.

People who successfully follow their inner voice have a unique set of characteristics. They aren’t swayed by the crowd and they’re not afraid to stand alone if it means staying true to themselves.

In this article titled “9 traits of people who successfully follow their inner voice”, we’ll delve into these intriguing traits. We’ll explore how these individuals listen to their inner guidance, march to the beat of their own drum, and ultimately shape their own destinies. So, buckle up, it’s going to be an enlightening journey!

1) They trust their instincts

One of the most distinguishing traits of people who successfully follow their inner voice is their unwavering trust in their instincts.

In an era where data, facts, and figures reign supreme, trusting your gut may seem counterintuitive. But these individuals understand that our instincts are our primal inner guidance system. They often serve as a compass, leading us towards what feels right, even when it defies logic or popular opinion.

For instance, imagine you’re faced with a significant decision – perhaps, choosing between two job offers. Both options seem equally enticing on paper, but one just feels right. That feeling is your instinct at play.

People who follow their inner voice don’t dismiss these feelings. Instead, they listen intently to their gut reactions and use them as a factor in their decision-making process.

Remember though, trusting your instincts doesn’t mean ignoring practical considerations. It’s about striking a balance between what feels right instinctively and what makes sense logically.

By doing so, you give yourself the chance to make decisions that align with your true self – decisions that ultimately lead to personal success and fulfillment.

2) They aren’t afraid of solitude

Another trait that people who follow their inner voice have is their comfort with solitude. It’s in those quiet moments, away from the noise and distractions of the outside world, that you can truly hear your inner voice.

I remember a time in my life when I was contemplating a career change. It was a daunting decision with countless factors to consider – financial implications, job security, personal fulfillment, and more.

Amidst the chaos and confusion, I decided to take a week off and retreat to a cabin in the woods – just me, my thoughts, and the tranquil sounds of nature. No internet, no phone calls, no distractions.

Throughout that week, I spent hours in solitude, reflecting on my life and career. That quiet time gave me the clarity I desperately needed. It’s as if my inner voice, which had been drowned out by the noise of my everyday life, finally had a chance to speak.

I returned from that retreat with a decision firmly in place. I chose to leave my stable job for a riskier career path that aligned more with my passions. It was not an easy decision, but it felt right deep within me. And looking back now, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

You see, being comfortable with solitude allows us the space to reflect deeply and listen intently to our inner guidance. It’s not about being antisocial or reclusive; it’s about creating intentional moments of quiet where we can connect with ourselves on a deeper level.

3) They practice mindfulness

People who successfully follow their inner voice often have a regular mindfulness practice. This could be in the form of meditation, yoga, or simply taking time each day to be present and aware.

Mindfulness allows us to quiet our minds and tune into our feelings and sensations. It helps us become more attuned to our intuitive nudges, which can often be subtle and easy to miss amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

A study from Harvard University shows that people who practiced mindfulness for about 27 minutes each day over eight weeks had measurable changes in brain areas associated with memory, sense of self, empathy, and stress.

This shows that mindfulness not only helps us connect with our inner voice but also brings about physical changes in our brain that improve our overall wellbeing.

Incorporating such practices into your daily routine can help you become more attuned to your inner guidance and make decisions that align with your deepest desires and values.

4) They embrace uncertainty

In a world that craves certainty and predictability, those who follow their inner voice have learned to embrace uncertainty. They understand that the path less traveled often doesn’t come with a roadmap.

When you choose to listen to your inner guidance, you might not always know where it’s leading you. It could mean venturing into unfamiliar territories or making decisions that don’t align with societal norms or expectations.

But these individuals see uncertainty as an opportunity for growth and discovery, rather than something to be feared. They have faith in their intuition and are willing to take risks in pursuit of their dreams and passions.

Embracing uncertainty doesn’t mean throwing caution to the wind. It means having the courage to step outside your comfort zone and trust that your inner voice will guide you towards your true path. It’s about trusting in your journey, even when you can’t see the destination.

5) They value self-reflection

People who follow their inner voice place a high value on self-reflection. They understand that in order to connect with their inner guidance, they need to regularly take a step back and evaluate their thoughts, feelings, and actions.

Self-reflection is about asking yourself hard questions and being honest with the answers. It’s about identifying patterns, acknowledging mistakes, celebrating achievements, and understanding your motivations.

This practice provides insight into your desires, passions, strengths, and weaknesses. It encourages personal growth and self-improvement by helping you to recognize where changes need to be made.

By routinely engaging in self-reflection, you can better understand your inner voice and align your actions with your true self. This alignment is key to finding fulfillment and success on your own terms.

6) They honor their emotions

People who successfully follow their inner voice honor their emotions. They understand that feelings aren’t just fleeting sentiments; they’re guideposts indicating what resonates with their true self.

Instead of suppressing or ignoring their emotions, they embrace them, even the uncomfortable ones. They recognize sadness, anger, joy, and fear as valuable messengers that can provide insight into their deepest desires and values.

This isn’t always easy. Acknowledging and processing emotions can be a challenging and painful process. But these individuals know that it’s an essential part of connecting with their inner voice.

When you allow yourself to truly feel your emotions, you create space for your inner voice to emerge. It’s like tuning into a radio frequency; you have to fine-tune your emotional awareness to hear the subtle whispers of your intuition.

So, next time you experience a strong emotion, instead of pushing it away, invite it in. Sit with it, explore it, and ask yourself what it’s trying to tell you. It could be your inner voice trying to guide you towards your true path.

7) They remain resilient in the face of adversity

Resilience is a common trait among those who successfully follow their inner voice. Life is full of ups and downs, and choosing to follow your instincts may lead to unexpected challenges and roadblocks.

I remember when I decided to start my own business. It was a dream I had nurtured for years, and despite the risks, I felt compelled to pursue it. However, the journey was far from smooth. There were setbacks, rejections, and moments of self-doubt that made me question my decision.

But each time I fell, I dusted myself off and got back up. I kept reminding myself why I started this journey in the first place. Yes, the path was difficult, but it was also deeply fulfilling, because I was doing something that resonated with my inner self.

Resilience isn’t about being impervious to hardships; it’s about acknowledging the struggles and choosing to persevere anyway. It’s about staying committed to your path even when the going gets tough. This resilience is what propels you forward and helps you turn your dreams into reality.

8) They maintain a strong sense of self

A solid sense of self is crucial for those who follow their inner voice. These individuals have a clear understanding of who they are, what they value, and what they want out of life.

Without a strong sense of self, it’s easy to get swayed by external influences or fall into the trap of people-pleasing. But when you know who you are, you’re better equipped to make decisions that align with your true self.

Developing a strong sense of self isn’t something that happens overnight. It requires introspection, self-discovery, and acceptance. It means acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses, embracing your quirks and uniqueness, and staying true to your values and beliefs.

When you have a firm grasp of who you are, you can better hear your inner voice and allow it to guide your decisions and actions.

9) They act on their insights

Lastly, and most importantly, people who follow their inner voice act on their insights. It’s one thing to listen to your intuition and another to put it into action.

Your inner voice might guide you towards a new career, a creative project, or a life-changing decision. But these insights are meaningless unless you have the courage to act on them.

Taking action can be scary. It often involves stepping out of your comfort zone and facing potential failure or rejection. But it’s a critical step in living authentically and following your inner guidance.

Acting on your insights demonstrates trust in your inner voice and opens the door for growth, discovery, and fulfillment. It’s the bridge between dreaming and doing, between who you are now and who you want to become.

So, when your inner voice speaks, don’t just listen—act. This is your life, your journey. Make it count.

Final Thoughts: Trusting your journey

The journey of listening and following your inner voice isn’t always a straightforward one. It requires courage, self-awareness, and a willingness to embrace the unknown.

Each person’s inner voice is unique, a reflection of their experiences, values, and perspectives. It’s a deeply personal guide that can illuminate your path towards authenticity and fulfillment.

Carl Jung, a renowned Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, once said, “Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” This quote encapsulates the essence of following your inner voice. It’s about awakening to your truth and daring to live it.

So whether you’re at a crossroads in life or simply seeking deeper understanding of yourself, remember to tune in to that soft whisper within you. Trust in its wisdom and let it guide you towards your true path.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not about where you end up but who you become along the way. And there’s no better compass for this journey than your own inner voice.