Are You Chasing Validation or Commanding Opportunity?

This is a question I asked myself years ago, and the answer changed everything for me.

For a long time, I blamed my circumstances, my environment, and even my luck for the lack of growth in my career. I worked hard, followed the rules, and waited for someone to notice me. But deep down, I was stuck, not because of others, but because of the voice inside me.

One day, I came across a message that shifted my perspective completely:

“What you talk to yourself, about yourself, when by yourself, is a game-changer in your life.”

That’s when I realized the real work begins within. My inner voice was filled with doubt, fear, and perfectionism. I was constantly second-guessing myself, holding back ideas, and playing small. I had the skills, but not the self-belief. And that’s what kept me from commanding the opportunity.

Here’s What I’ve Learned — And What I Want You to Know

We all have different inner voices. Some push us forward, some hold us back. I’ve identified five that show up often:

• The Commander: Confident and bold. 

It says, “I can do this.”

• The Doubter: Critical and fearful. 

It says, “You’re not good enough.”

• The Stabilizer: Gentle and steady. 

It says, “Keep going.”

• The Believer: Intuitive and wise. 

It says, “This feels right.”

• The Perfectionist: Demanding and exhausting. 

It says, “It’s never good enough.”

The voice that dominates your mind shapes your decisions, your presence, and your growth. I’ve seen this not just in myself, but in the leaders I coach. Those who learn to lead their inner voice,  not be led by it, are the ones who rise.

In a world driven by AI, data, and speed, your inner voice is your human edge. It’s your quiet advisor in high-stakes moments when there’s no time to wait for perfect information. But you must learn to recognize the difference between intuition and fear. Intuition is calm and grounded. 

Fear is loud and panicked.

When I began to trust my inner voice, I stopped chasing validation. I started commanding opportunities. I showed up differently. I made decisions with clarity. I led with confidence.

My Message to You

If you’re holding back, doubting yourself, or waiting for someone to notice you, pause. Listen to your inner voice. Strengthen it. Speak power to yourself.

Say it with me:

‘I recognize my inner voice, and I am strengthening it. This is where real leadership begins.’

Your Good Friend and Coach

Payal Nanjiani

Click here to listen to the episode The Power of the Inner Voice in Leadership on  The Power of the Inner Voice in Leadership on The Payal Nanjiani Leadership Podcast.