“The squeaky wheel gets the grease.”

Just because someone has a loud opinion doesn’t mean it’s ever right. A screaming baby has more volume than a CEO, but I wouldn’t want a newborn running a Fortune 500 company. It’s never wise to give a platform to someone based purely on the volume of their opinion.

It’s easy to let the loud opinions of a few dictate the direction of our dreams. When I was in my early 20’s, I let people with over-the-top opinions influence me towards making bad decisions. What I’ve found is that people with bullhorn opinions tend not to care how the consequences of following their opinion affect you.

Who are the loudest voices in your life - writetojoncook Jon Cook

Chasing your dreams means you’re going to make decisions people won’t always understand. You’ll start projects, make changes, and pursue opportunities that will leave people scratching their heads. And the opinions will come. And loud opinions will start to dominate, especially if when you hit rocky patches in your dream-chasing journey.

And that’s when you’ll need to decide: who do I need to be the loudest voices in my life, and why should I listen to them?

Who should be the loudest voices in your life

My faith is important to me, so the loudest voice in my life needs to be God. This is why I spend time every morning reading the Bible, praying, meditating, and listening for His influence on my life. This is the compass for my dream-chasing. My dreams are nothing without God’s blessing and direction.

If you’re married or in a serious relationship, your spouse should be the loudest human voice in your life. They know you better than anyone else, or at least they should. If you have kids, their opinions come right after your spouse’s. By the way, your spouse came before your kids and your kids, not your spouse, are supposed to eventually leave your house. Your kids’ opinions may not always be right, but they’ll probably be the most honest.

If you have a business partner, they should be the next loudest voice in your life.

Why should you listen to them

Hunter S. Thompson once said, “He that is taught only by himself has a fool for a master.” You need wise voices speaking into your life as you chase your God-given dreams. You’re going to make mistakes, but you know that. You’re not going to be perfect, but having people you know, like, and trust who want what’s best for you in your life is important for your learning process. They can help steer you in the right direction.

If you know which voices to listen to in your life, it’s much easier to shut out the noisy opinions just looking for an audience. Build a virtual Cabinet for your dream-chasing War Room and shut out other voices who don’t know or understand all the planning and work that goes on behind the scenes.

Loud opinions are usually just that: loud. Wise and trusted opinions can help you get the insight you need to succeed. Know the difference between the two.