Have you ever felt like you were holding back, not because you weren’t capable, but because you were afraid of how big your life could actually get?
Yeah… me too.
Not too long ago, I had this dream that shook me to my core. It was one of those spiritual dreams where God wasn’t whispering—He was yelling in love. The message was clear: “You’re robbing yourself.”
Whew.
It wasn’t about money. It wasn’t about opportunity. It was about me.
How I was showing up. How I was dimming my light. How I was playing small, even when I knew I was built for more.
And sis, I know I’m not the only one.
How We Rob Ourselves Without Even Realizing It
We think we’re being careful. We think we’re “waiting for the right time.” But the truth is, sometimes we’re hiding behind the familiar. Playing it safe. Staying in the same rooms we’ve outgrown, just because they’re comfortable.
We rob ourselves when we:
- Say, “I’m not ready yet”—even though we’ve been more than ready for a while.
- Downplay our talents so we don’t make others uncomfortable.
- Wait for someone to notice us, instead of putting ourselves out there.
- Choose silence, even when our voice could shift the whole room.
Playing small doesn’t protect us—it shrinks us.
(Want more on stepping into your power? Check out Finding Your Passion in Midlife.)
The Cost of Playing Small
Every time you choose to shrink, you’re choosing to:
- Miss out on aligned opportunities
- Stay undervalued in spaces you’ve outgrown
- Delay your next level because of fear, not faith
And here’s what’s wild: your future self is already out there, living big and bold. She’s just waiting on you to catch up.
That dream you keep putting off? That stage you think you’re not qualified for? That price you think you can’t charge?
It’s already yours—you just have to stop robbing yourself of it.
(This reminds me of something I said in Black Women Are Done Helping Everybody. It’s time to choose YOU.)
How to Stop Playing Small (Starting Today)
Here’s how I started showing up for myself—and how you can, too:
- Call it what it is.
Be honest about the ways you’ve been shrinking. Awareness is the first step to freedom. - Own your power.
Stop pretending you don’t know what you bring to the table. Start showing up like you built the whole room. - Say it out loud.
Speak the vision. Pitch yourself. Launch the offer. You don’t need permission to pursue your calling. - Get support.
You don’t have to do this alone. Coaching, community, and accountability can make the difference between stuck and soaring.
✨ Need help getting clear, confident, and finally taking that next bold step? Book a 1:1 coaching session with me here.
Reclaim Your Power
The world doesn’t benefit from your hesitation. It benefits from your light.
So here’s your reminder:
You were made for more. More impact. More ease. More visibility. More joy.
Stop robbing yourself of what’s already yours.
Start showing up like it’s already done.
You don’t have to wait to become her—you already are her.
Now act like it. 💫
(P.S. If you want to align your mindset with the life you’re manifesting, read: Use ChatGPT to Manifest Your Dream Life. It’s a game-changer.)
