When in school, if I didn't understand what the teacher was saying, I never raised my hand to ask my doubt. When the teacher asked a question, even if I knew the correct answer, I would never raise my hand. If there was an interesting assignment to be volunteered for, I would still remain tongue-tied even though it would have been something I would have loved to do. Through all this inaction, I was slowly instilling in me a mute spectator to life's many fine chances which scraped past me. In each of these moments, I was turning my back to many opportunities to grow, learn something new and become a better human being.
Later in life as well, there were many such moments when I must have played all the above parts, albeit the setting would be college or my early days in a corporate environment. And these were the times when the stakes would have been even higher.
And so I ask you, how many times have you felt like kicking yourself for not speaking up at the right time or not speaking up at all? If the answer is quite often, then this post may interest you.
As you have already understood, I have been through it many a times and realized later the repercussions of not speaking out, whether it was my point of view, a question or doubt, feedback or opinion, counter-argument or even my decision. Sadly, they remained only as words floating in my head, waiting to be relieved like the Genie in Alladin's lamp. And then the misery of a lost opportunity used to get compounded further by the frustration of keeping those words locked inside.
I looked back at all my 'dumb' moments and in retrospect I understood the many chances and choices I had missed out on. There was only one loser in the scheme of things and that was me. Then one fine day, just like that, I decided it was now or never. The choice was very clear, speak up or get 'dumbed' down.
I decided to free myself from the demons inside my head stopping me to take the right foot forward or in this case
So here is the wiser me (or so I think), after having experienced many 'dumbfounding' experiences, presenting 12 reasons why one should speak up.
My 13 reasons why you should speak up:
1. You are unique. There is no else is quite like you, so you are entitled to your own opinions. Speak up and be heard.
2. Life may offer you that opportunity only once, so speak out, show your inclination and grab it with both hands.
3. If there are people who are always critical and spread negativity, speak out against them and show them the correct way. Don't be a mute spectator.
4. If you know you are right but there are hundred voices against you, still speak up for what you stand for.
5. When in doubt, speak up. You will surely get your answers. Do not be afraid to look silly.
6. When you need help, just ask for it. You will be surprised, how many would like to help you.
7. When sad or in sorrow, speak out. They say sharing your sorrow divides them. So don't keep it bottled up inside.
8. When you commit a mistake, speak up and admit the fault. It helps you to improve and be a better human being.
9. When someone harasses, speak out and don't feel shy. That someone is the perpetrator and he/she should be ashamed. By speaking up, he/she can be punished so that no one else bears the brunt in future.
10. When life gives you multiple options, don't hesitate to voice your choice. Go for it and don't settle for something which you don't like/want. You will repent it later.
11. Speak up in appreciation of the positive things in life and someone else's achievements. That provides a great boost and helps spread positivity. Sometimes, it is also important to speak up to provide a constructive feedback. It helps to improve on situations, people, things and life in general.
12. Speak up to show gratitude and say 'Thank you' always. Also, do not hesitate to speak up to say 'Please' and 'Sorry' whenever required. It shows a strong character beneath the veneer.
13. Speak to clear wrong perceptions. A lot of times we believe we are always right, our view is the correct view. But it may not be the case always. If you care to understand the other person more deeply then you should take the first step and communicate.
These are my 13 reasons why one must speak up, be heard and communicate. There will be many more reasons you may find to speak up and be heard.
In a nutshell, first get freedom from the inner demons inside your head. They are more vicious than the world that is out there.
Express yourself, be heard and you will realize that the best tool we as humans have with us, is our ability to communicate.
Communication is one of the best solution to all the problems in our life. And if we don't speak up or communicate we make the problems fester and grow.
So I say speak up or get 'dumbed down'!
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