You Only Need Small Bursts of Courage

Have you had experiences in which you didn’t apply for an opportunity because…?

• You were intimidated by the thought of being exposed and vulnerable
• You didn’t think you’d be good enough to be selected
• You didn’t think you could provide enough value
• You worried about not looking/sounding smart or polished.

When I first started my podcast, I was primarily doing interviews with people who had achieved a certain level of success in their field of work. I would ask my guests formatted questions but the answers varied tremendously.

One question in particular asked them to share a “playing small” moment they had experienced, and the lessons they had learned since.

Many of my guests chuckled and asked, “which one”? Some even shared playing small moments that had occurred recently.

Playing small moments aren’t something we leave behind in adulthood. We are always at a choice point – everyday – as to whether to play small or to trust that we are capable of whatever opportunity is before us.

As was the case with Kendra Wheeler, who won the guest spot on Women Taking the Lead’s 50th episode. She shared with me that she wasn’t going to submit the form to enter the contest because she didn’t think she had enough to offer as a guest.

This was also the case with my mom. I cajoled her to come on the Women Taking the Lead podcast. She was so nervous! Everyone has been talking about how sweet she was. Her voice was shaky and she got dry mouth but she did great!

She is proud that she did it, in the face of her fear. I am proud that she did it. You can listen to her episode here: Cathy Flynn on Leading with Love

What’s the cure to playing small moments?

Small bursts of courage.

When you recognize that you are holding yourself back because you are thinking or feeling that you are not good enough, remember that a small burst of courage can make the difference between taking a chance or playing small.

What can you do to remind yourself to play big and ride a small burst of courage?