#529: Playing Small? How to Live Up to Your Potential

Podcast #529   PLAYING SMALL? HOW TO LIVE UP TO YOUR POTENTIAL In this episode of The Confidence Podcast, we're chatting about: * Why we play small and the thoughts that are holding up back * How to know if you are playing small or limiting yourself  * Power thoughts that will equip you with the courage to live a bigger life There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living. - Nelson Mandela  Your playing small does not serve the world. Do not be afraid to shine, or afraid of your power - for it is God-given and God-purposed. Show up for it and it will be God-blessed. “Your fears, worries, and false beliefs do not keep you safe. They keep you small.”  ― Anthon St. Maarten Our Deepest Fear By Marianne Williamson Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness. That most frighten us. We ask ourselves: Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we’re liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. REVIEW OF THE WEEK WHY DO WE PLAY SMALL It feels saferIt's normal It prevents us from being seenIt protects us from potential negative emotionsWe also think that it will be too hard for us to go/maintain the next level (re: the narrative of "If I'm struggling with this right now, how will I ever manage to maintain _______).We discredit the maturity/capacity/growth / experiential knowledge of our future selves. Or possibly, you're afraid of being too powerful.Of making other people feel bad.Of being too successful.Of having too many expectations then placed on you.You believe the flawed narrative that it's easier to play small - but what you don't realize is that by playing small you are making life harder - because your heart will forever be unsettled and unfulfilled when you are not pursuing your purpose.  WHAT WE MISS OUT ON  We miss out on the full spectrum of the human experienceWe miss out on our own growthWe miss out on making the difference we are meant to makeWe miss out on the life of our dreamsWe miss out on the deep fulfillment of contributionWe miss out on income.We miss out on opportunities.We miss out on experiences.We miss out on fulfillment. HOW TO KNOW IF YOU'RE PLAYING SMALL (AND WHAT TO DO)  You probably are. We all are.Ask yourself:Am I holding back anywhere?Am I fully investing in growing my strengths?Do I value boldness, creation and contribution?Do I know that my voice matters?Where can I think bigger?Where have I avoided growth?How do I want to be remembered?How am I using my money to do good in the world?Who's opinions am I afraid of?Who's approval am I seekingBut to what extent is what to explore. What to do:Take action.Stay convicted.Guard your mind.Master your mindset.Show up.Steward your talents. Be brave. POWER THOUGHTS TO EQUIP YOU WITH COURAGE TO LIVE A BIGGER LIFE I am a world-changer and difference-maker. * My voice matters. * I will live my life with boldness and brightness.