(#63) 5 Signs You’re Playing Small & How to be More Bold
5 Signs You’re Playing Small & How to Be More Bold
2025 Manifesto for Ambitious Women
Big dreams require big moves and big confidence. Playing it safe won’t get you where you want to be. If you’re ready to stop holding yourself back and start stepping into your power, let’s talk about the 5 signs you’re playing small—and how to break free.
1. You Hide Behind Perfectionism
Spending too much time perfecting your ideas, plans, or work instead of actually putting yourself out there? That’s fear in disguise.
Bold Move: Embrace imperfection. Share your work before you feel “ready.” The sooner you take action, the sooner you grow. Visibility is key.
2. You Mistake Fake Productivity for Progress
Filling your time with tasks that keep you busy but don’t actually move the needle? That’s comfort, not growth.
Bold Move: Set a daily or weekly stretch goal—something slightly uncomfortable that forces you to level up. Growth isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what matters.
3. You’re Waiting Instead of Creating Your Own Opportunities
You’re waiting for your manager to notice you, for someone to hand you a promotion, or for the perfect opportunity to land in your lap. But waiting won’t get you where you want to be.
Bold Move: Stop waiting. Start building. Create your own content, host your own events, volunteer to lead. Act like the person you want to become.
4. You’re Underestimating the Power of Your Voice
If you’re staying silent in meetings, avoiding difficult conversations, or hesitating to advocate for yourself—you’re shrinking.
Bold Move: Commit to speaking up at least once in every meeting or situation where your voice matters. Build confidence by asking for what you deserve in small, everyday situations.
5. You Always Choose the Safe Option
If you keep doing what’s comfortable, you’ll stay exactly where you are. Playing it safe is actually the riskiest move you can make—because it keeps you from growing.
Bold Move: Set yourself up for “failure.” Take a risk, try something new, and embrace the lessons that come from stepping outside your comfort zone. Growth happens in movement, not in hesitation.
“Final Thoughts: Step Into Your Power”
It’s time to stop playing small. Choose boldness over fear, growth over comfort, and action over waiting.
Your Challenge: Pick one bold move from this list and commit to taking action this week. The life you want is on the other side of your comfort zone—go get it!