In response to a blog post by Seth Godin on the many voices inside one's head, I've been thinking about three additional voices that inhabit many soloists' thoughts:

The Voice of Your Past
This is the internal voice that pipes up when you've done something original, or iconoclastic, or wonderfully audacious. It asks you, often in an accusatory tone, "That's not the way things are done! Who do you think you are?" It chips away at your self-confidence and makes you doubt your unique talents and abilities. Ignore it.

The Distracted Voice of Your Present
This is the ever-present hum inside you that often flits from task to task during the day. "Hmmm.... that book looks interesting. Oh, I wonder what's new on that Web site. Did anyone post anything interesting on my favorite social media site? Any new emails in my inbox? Wow, look at that new magazine. Did today's mail come yet?" This voice saps your energy as you jump from point to point, and you end up with a lot of activity in a day but not much accomplished. Acknowledge this voice, then channel the energy to more focused results.

The Voice of Future Possibilities
This is the voice that wonders "What If?" and guides you in day-dreams about what lies ahead. It takes you to a land of creative potential, where multiple opportunities await you. Nurture this voice and train it by linking it to concrete plans and timetables.

As soloists, there are multiple voices inside us. These three are among the most powerful. Become aware of them, then develop them to support you in your work.

-- Terri Lonier
Founder, WorkingSolo.com