Stand up. Be seen. Speak your truth. Take up space. All of it.
That's what confidence can do for you...
As Lizzo says..."It's about damn time!" Yes, it is.
Getting real, being me, and inviting you to come along and do the same, get real, be all of your beautiful, messy human self. No perfection here.
Similar to setting boundaries, when you stand up, speak your truth, and, take up space, not everyone is going to welcome it. Also like setting boundaries, others who benefited from you playing the sidekick may not like you hopping into the driver's seat. That's ok. They'll get used to it or, maybe they won't. Regardless, staying small serves absolutely no one, least of all YOU.
It isn't always easy. Sure there are places where it comes really easily and I'm guessing for you too probably. I say these things to you because I'm learning the same lessons. I'm just becoming more willing to show my underbelly here. To let you know that you're not alone on this journey of building your confidence. It's a process.
Feeling the fear and showing up. Shifting your mindset from a "what will they think" perspective to more of an "I've got something to contribute here" perspective. Trusting that deep knowing you have inside of you that, if you really pay attention, guides you.
It can be a bit easier to step aside, at least it was for me. Let them have the microphone so to speak. Not so much anymore. That doesn't mean I'm bullying my way into grabbing the microphone, that's not it at all. Rather, I'm recognizing the contributions I have to offer. My voice matters (and so does yours by the way!) even if someone else doesn't agree with me. My approach has become - that's okay, that's good to know - and I carry on.
How about you my friend?
Know that what you have to say matters so keep showing up and speaking up and taking up that f***king space because all of us can shine in our own way.
I want you to know I'm maybe a few steps ahead of you, that's all, and if you're interested, I'm leaving you some breadcrumbs so you can come along too...
So buckle up...it's about to get real in here...
Ready to be seen?
Let’s get to it…
Your challenge…
Ready to stop playing safe and be seen? It's gonna be uncomfortable and worth it.
Start small.
Don't pick the most daunting situation to start with. Pick one where you know you've been wanting to show up more authentically.
Have a witness.
What does this mean? If it's a situation where there's a trusted third party who can support you, ask them to give you feedback after.
Practice. Practice.
Then practice some more. When you're trying any new skill, practice is necessary. You're building new pathways in that noggin of yours and it's going to take some work to override the old programming that you're accustomed to.
Remember, when you decide it's time to be seen, others won't be used to it, and...they will get used to it! It's going to feel risky if it's something you've never done before. Avoiding risk means no risk and, if you don't take a risk, nothing's going to change. The people who truly care about you will understand, respect, and support you.
And, if you meet resistance, remember:
It's about you. It's your time to shine.
If you're *ready to speak up and take up space Contact me You have all of the skills, strengths, and capabilities you need. Let’s work together and reconnect you with them!
Warmly,
Ann
*What if, instead of being a feeling you had, READY was a decision you made?
Did you miss my last blog? They're always available on my website www.steppingstonecoaching.ca
Contact me to start taking a step towards building your confidence. You've got this.
I have a YouTube Channel! If you don't have any social media, it's a great way to see some of my Confidence Tip Videos.
Check it out: https://youtube.com/@anndeluca8060
Playing small? Buckle up…it’s time to be seen!