Creating Quiet: How to Hear Yourself in a Noisy World

We live in a world that rarely stops moving. From constant notifications to the weight of expectations, it’s no wonder so many of us feel disconnected from who we really are. The truth is, we can’t hear ourselves above the noise. To discover our authentic selves and live with purpose, we must first try creating quiet.

Why Quiet Matters

Authenticity, or being your true self, sounds simple but often feels elusive. Many people have lived their entire lives reacting to the world around them, never pausing long enough to ask: Who am I? What do I really want?

The first step to answering those questions is silence. When we create quiet, we make space to hear the faint voice inside that tells us what truly matters. Without it, we stay caught in the endless cycle of reacting, performing, and pleasing others.

The Noise of Health and Expectations

One of the loudest forms of noise comes from health. It’s the worry about aging, the frustration of dealing with disease, or even the nagging voice in your head about your weight. This constant chatter drowns out self-awareness.

External expectations add another layer. From family traditions you don’t resonate with, to social obligations that feel forced, many of us live under the burden of “shoulds.” These voices often began in childhood, shaping us before we had the chance to know ourselves.

Creating Space for Yourself

Creating quiet doesn’t mean sitting in a soundproof room, though retreats and meditation can be powerful tools. It means intentionally removing noise. That might look like skipping a social event that drains you, saying no to an obligation, or stepping back from a routine that no longer serves you.

You don’t need to make permanent decisions. Experiment. Pause one activity, and notice how your body and mind respond. Do you feel lighter, calmer, or freer? Or do you miss the connection and joy it brings? These gentle experiments guide you toward clarity.

Doing Hard Things and Being Still

There’s also growth in challenge. Backpacking through the wilderness or trying something outside your comfort zone teaches resilience and self-awareness. But equally important is the opposite practice: stillness. By allowing space for reflection, you create the conditions to actually hear your inner voice.

The Health Connection

Physical health and mental health are inseparable. Choosing nourishing food, moving your body, and caring for your gut all directly impact your ability to feel mentally clear. As the saying goes, “trust your gut”, and science backs this up. Your brain and gut communicate constantly, and improving your physical health often quiets mental noise.

Extending Yourself Grace

Ultimately, creating quiet is about compassion. Give yourself permission to take breaks, remove burdens, and prioritize your well-being. You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight. Start small: pick one noisy thing this week to pause.

You may not immediately find clear answers, but you will notice shifts. Less tension in your chest, a feeling of relief, the ability to breathe a little deeper. These are signals that you’re moving closer to your authentic self.

By choosing quiet, you choose yourself. And in that stillness, you’ll finally be able to hear what matters most.

Dive deeper into this idea in the episode of the Get Out of Your Own Way podcast below.

Like this post? Check out these other ones, too:

• When Resistance is Getting in Your Way
• Meditation Without the Woo: Why Awareness is the Real Game-Changer
• You Are Not One-Dimensional