Finding Your Free Voice (Even When It Feels Impossible)

There is a version of you that speaks freely, thinks creatively, and communicates without fear. That is your free voice, the one that shows up when you feel confident, safe, and fully yourself.

But let’s be real. How often do you actually feel that way?

Too many of us walk into meetings, sit down at our desks, or step up to present and suddenly we shrink. We second-guess. We censor. We hesitate.

Not because we do not know what we are doing. Not because we do not have valuable insights to share. But because something is holding us back. Fear, self-doubt, a stifling environment, or the pressure to fit into someone else's mold.

And that makes it hard to fully express ourselves.

The Goal: A Free Voice

The dream scenario is to show up without fear, to speak with clarity, conviction, and confidence no matter the room you are in. But let’s be honest, that can feel unimaginable sometimes.

So how do we get there? And do we even need to get all the way there to be effective?

Working Toward a Free Voice

The first step is recognizing what is causing the fear in the first place.

For some, it is the fear of being wrong or looking foolish. For others, it is feeling like they do not belong in the room. Sometimes, it is the culture of the workplace itself. A place where bold ideas get shut down or where speaking up has never felt truly safe.

The key is not necessarily to bulldoze through the fear. Instead, it is about deciding.

Can I change my environment or my participation in it?

Can I accept the frustration, sadness, or discomfort but not let it control me?

As long as fear has a grip on you, your voice will be restricted in some way.

But Do You Have to Be Completely Free?

No.

If fear is still there but you can get things done, that is okay. You do not need to be at one hundred percent confidence all the time to do good work, contribute meaningfully, or make an impact.

It does take more effort. It might require extra mental energy to push past hesitation. But you will find ways to meet expectations, share your ideas, and even tap into some of your creativity, even if you are not totally fearless.

The Truth About Confidence

Most of the people you admire, the ones who seem so self-assured, did not start out that way. They built their confidence by showing up, speaking up, and working through the fear bit by bit. In future articles I'll share ways to do that.

So if your free voice feels far away right now, do not stress. Start where you are. Recognize where fear is limiting you. Take small steps to push past it. And know that you do not have to be fearless to be powerful.

Your voice matters, even if it shakes.

Every time you speak, you shape your story. How have you stepped into your voice this week?

Your Call to Action: Join the "Move from Surviving to Thriving" Group

I’m thrilled to announce a free online group starting soon, inspired by Dr. Bruce Smith’s book, Move from Surviving to Thriving. This group will focus on practical ways to elevate your personal and professional life, working through fear to confidence and a positive mindset.

If you’re ready to take the first step toward thriving in 2025, I’d love to have you join. Reach out to me directly here on LinkedIn or at [email protected] to get the details and secure your spot! Or sign up here and I'll reach out to you with details.

This isn’t just a group. It’s a space to connect, reflect, and take actionable steps toward thriving in every area of your life.

Looking Ahead

In addition to the group, I’m relaunching my YouTube channel and podcast in 2025. These platforms will feature stories of incredible individuals and actionable insights to help you build confidence and resilience. Keep an eye out for announcements!

Thanks for spending your time with me.

I’m Nancy Bos, a world-traveling voice expert, fear researcher, speaker, and author. I help people unleash their voices and tap into their power.

Want me to speak to your group? Reach out - I'd be thrilled to chat about it.

NancyBos.com