HEY, BACK OFF VOJ BY JUSTIN BOGDANSKI
Common denominators. They’re everywhere. I feel that many people consider the differences between people, places, and situations more important than the qualities they share – their common denominators.
Common denominators make things relatable. Recognizing common denominators gives perspective – something best attained through diverse experiences. From perspective, grows understanding. Only with true understanding, can one make decisions they can honestly and wholly stand by.
Decisions like what to experience, with who, or in what ways one will contribute are constricted by individuals’ Voice of Judgment – or VOJ – which is the source of hesitation, second guessing, and apprehension of being judged by others. In such a connected society where immediate social recognition is increasingly desired, societal judgment is real. However, even if one may judge another’s idea, it doesn’t alter the quality of that idea itself. Unfortunately, VOJs cause people to refrain from taking risks – a necessity when attempting to be creative, stand out, and challenging the process. Silencing one’s VOJ lets people feel more comfortable venturing out of their Area of Familiarity and into the Area of Discovery, where novelty is found.
When one refrains from acting on or letting an idea flourish because of the fear that one’s VOJ instills, it’s considered conformity– the nemesis of flexibility (variety) and novelty of ideas.
The inner-terrain (imagination) is the most valuable asset humans have. If you’re proud of your ideas, I challenge you to silence your VOJ and express them. Everything you do makes a statement. What statement will you make?
