In January 2016 while attending an event, a two-part question was posed to a panel of amazingly beautiful women. It was “why do women shrink, and explain a time when you shrank.” The question hit me so hard. I felt like they were asking me, as if no other women were in the room.
Moments when I shrank flooded my mind. It was the most vivid memories ever. Like the time when I was invited to a meeting with what could have been a huge client. I had a solid plan completely prepared to present. I didn’t speak up so I didn’t get the opportunity.
Or the time when I was in a room with key decision makers about a project but didn’t share my knowledge in the moment so I missed out on a chance to manage the foundation of an A-list celebrity.
Then there was the moment when I was given an opportunity to speak on a huge platform but I recommended someone else for the job. The funny thing is, that person did not hesitate or encourage me to do it….they took their opportunity. I did not have the right people around me encouraging me to stretch and rise to the occasion and follow my dreams.
There are countless others but I now refuse to let moments like that pass me by again. I want to be my best self and help others do the same. Has this ever happened to you? Have you ever shrunk in a moment of opportunity and regretted it later?
I don’t know about you but I am over shrinking. Starting now, I am determined to end my shrinking streak. I will rise to the occasion of my life and opportunities given to me. And I’d like to invite you to join me. Here’s the plan:
First, we stop holding back our greatness in order to make others feel comfortable. That’s right, give yourself permission to shine. This isn’t done overnight, we will create a laser-focused plan to take control of our story, follow your dreams, and achieve the success you envisioned by being your authentic self.
Then, be authentically, unapologetically your big, bold, bad to the bone self. We have earned the right not to allow another person’s unhappiness make us feel small.
Finally, surround our self with people that will encourage us to grow, not those who seeks to limit our potential and keep us stagnant.
Don’t shrink, do the best you can with what you have available. You decide what your best life looks like. You assume the role of director in your life, and live out your most meaningful life story.
Are you ready to stop shrinking? Today is the day to stop shrinking and start being the best version of yourself. Please share how you are releasing smallness, and living up to your full potential.
[latoyia]
This is such great advice. It can be hard to break out of that shell sometimes, and do what is best for you and be bold and live up to your potential.
It can be hard, but very necessary. It certainly takes intentionality.
You should always strive to be the best version of yourself! Women are especially guilty of shrinking because of our culture.
So true…we are often the shrinkers. But more and more we are rising and being the best version of ourselves.
I’ve been on a mission this year to learn more about myself and what I want. I never realized how much I took self-appreciation for granted until everything came tumbling down. This is such a great reminder to keep going!
Nicole KEEP GOING! The more you learn about yourself, the more successful you are with creating the life your truly desire.
Many times I do have this feeling, thanks to my mom, who is always there to encourage me. She’s always my shining armour.
I have definitely been trying to be more open about what I can offer to others when it comes up, or someone asks for help. The worst that could happen is I get ignored or someone declines my offer, but the answer will always be no if I don’t put myself out there. It’s hard to not let others intimidate you, especially those who may be more experienced, but being confident in yourself will make others confident in you too.
This is good advice! I find myself shrinking down quite a bit, when I really should be standing tall. That is definitely something that I need to work on.
This is so inspiring, and I needed to read it today! Thank you for the extra dose of confidence and love!
You are very welcome Jasmine….helping others as a I help myself.
These are nice encouraging words. It would be good also to attend a workshop to further inspire people to think positive and discover their own potential.
I sometimes don’t have the best confidence in the world, but when I have something to say, I say it. I get the nervous sick feeling but after my say, I feel relieved and happy.
I loved reading this. I could not agree with you more! Women need to believe in themselves and just be who they are. As I like to say, Be Bold and Beautiful! That is what women are!
What a powerful post. It helps me to realize that I can do it.
You certainly can Tara!
Surrounding yourself with the right people is key. A l so, being on your own side. We as women tend to be our own stumbling blocks.
Great post! Agree with you. Commit to only surround yourself with amazing people only!!!!!
Yes, your circle is key!
This post is serious so good. So inspiring and perfect. I honestly needed to hear this all today. Thank you for sharing.
This is an awesome post that everyone should read. It is so important to surround yourself with people that are going to support you and encourage you to grow. I have turned down jobs I know I could do but would be a bit of a challenge because I didn’t have people encouraging but rather discouraging me that I would not be able to do them.Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Very inspiring and hope many women around the world will follow these awesome tips! Thank you dear 🙂
Thank you Blair!
Very inspiring words! Thank you!
Thank you Tessa!
I love your motivational mindset! I totally agree, there is no need for people that put you down in your life.
Thank you! No there’s no need for put downs, but it is a part of life unfortunately. We have to constantly encourage each other to overcome.
This article is so beautiful! I love how you just inspired us. I totally agree with you on the idea that we should only be with the great people!
Such a great post! I agree with all of these! We should always strive to be on our best!
This is so inspiring.
Surround yourself with positive person definitely helps.
What an inspiring post! I think it’s important to be positive and surround yourself with people who encourage you.
It’s a common and natural human urge to shrink back. Failure can be a scary feeling but those scary moments are when we need to push forward and shine the most!
Wow! This post was written for me. There are countless times that I can remember shrinking myself when I should have been letting my greatness shine (not even trying to sound cocky lol).
Marielle you don’t sound cocky at all. Be Great!
Thank you for this post! I have a ton of experience and an MBA, and still feel fearful of speaking up in a meeting — even when I know I have the most to contribute to a conversation. I hate the culture that I was brought up in — where women are to be seen and not heard. I am currently working on rejecting those norms. It’s scary (for me) but I am determined to find my voice and make it strong 😉
I absolutely loved this! So motivating and just what I needed to hear this week – thank you 🙂
This was such a fantastic read. I can definitely remember times where I’ve shrunk myself, and not been around people who encouraged my growth. But it’s all about breaking from that toxic routine.
I chose to be positive also, I love that you had your change of mindset as well. Indeed we have to be with people who encourages us to grow.
I love been positive
Very motivational piece of advise! I felt like I’ve been hiding in my shell for too long but after reading your story I’ll have my courage to step out of my comfort zone. Thanks!
This is so inspiring and definitely what I needed right now. Thanks for sharing.
This is inspiring. Whenever I would step out of our home and would blend into a bigger world of people not familiar to me, I always remind my self to always shine. At times I also shrink, not at all times I am too confident, but I know how to stand up and I consider those times of shrinking, rooms towards learning.