How the fear of being “too much” keeps you stuck

Do you ever worry that you're "too much"? That people will be put off by your opinion, how you show up, or even who you are?

Here's the thing about worrying you're too much and showing up in a muted way - it sucks. It just does. No one is moved by neutrality. In fact, neutrality is boring and we don't gravitate toward it.

Consider something you love. Maybe it's a band, a type of music, a movie, whatever.  Do you love it because it's middle of the road and everybody likes it? Of course not.

In fact, it's highly likely you love it because it isn't those things, and it's equally likely others don't care for it at all. 

Nothing is for everyone. Imagine how the world would look if the people that created the things we love decided "Oh, I would do that but someone may not like it therefore I should hide and not put it out there." It's not that those people don't consider the possibility of rejection. Of course they do. 

But they don't let it stop them. 

When you choose to show up neutrally, more concerned with not offending anyone than with being authentic, no one can actually see you. They see a curated version of you that’s more tailored to their needs than it is about who you really are. There are major consequences to making that choice. If you tone yourself down to make others more comfortable, you set yourself up to continue having to do that. The people around you don’t get a chance to see you in your power and appreciate what you bring to the table, because you’ve chosen to shrink to avoid criticism.

Authenticity doesn't come with rainbows and sunshine. It's disruptive. It's polarizing.

It's also incredibly mentally freeing and empowering. 

If you struggle to show up authentically because you're worried about how you'll be received, or if you've avoided creating something for the same reason, then check out my podcast on this topic.

Ready to show up for real?