My guess is, you’ve been playing things pretty safe. As in, the moment you start to stretch out of your comfort zone and into something bigger, you (probably subconsciously) hold yourself back from going forward.
Because who the hell knows what it’ll be like to dive into the big stuff. That’s scary shit.
So you crawl back to what’s normal, what’s “safe,” and end up doing things the same way you’ve always done them.
AKA: You play yourself small.
Even if you’re not meaning to, even if your intentions are to break out into next levels to create a ripple effect of impact, if your subconscious is telling you to hang tight right where you are, then you’re not living up to your current full potential.
Which isn’t just fucking sad. It’s also potentially dangerous.
Get Comfortable with the Uncomfortable
Look, we all know what the comfort zone is like. It’s the same shit you’ve done time and time again. So you know exactly what to expect if you do exactly the right thing.
It’s what you do without even thinking because it’s what you’ve always known. But again, you know what to expect: the same thing you’ve always gotten. Which isn’t further. And it isn’t bigger. And it damn well isn’t getting you anything different from what you’ve experienced before.
All because: what if it doesn’t work out? What if you fail? What if you end up burning it all down to the ground in the process of trying out something new? There are a lot of “what ifs” that keep you from moving forward.
In other words: You’re settling from the subconscious fear of the unknown.
So if it’s uncomfortable to move out of what you know…and it’s uncomfortable to stay there… which do you think is the better option?
Safe isn’t Safe
Let’s take a look at your two options:
- Keep playing yourself small and keep getting the damn frustrating results you don’t want. (the “safe” option)
- Get out of that comfort zone and see yourself actualize the possibilities you’ve only dreamt of. (The… “unsafe” option)
Look, I don’t care how comfy that first option sounds, it’s not doing you any favors. It’s keeping you stuck, down, and away from any real impact you could be making.
If there’s something you want for yourself (or for the rest of the world), you’re not going to get it by repeating the same patterns that haven’t gotten you it before. That’s the definition of insanity, and I’m not playing that game here, sis.
So it’s not the safe option. Because it’s not going to give you what you actually need to thrive in this world. It’s only giving you what you need to survive day by day as you always have been.
Your Purpose is Bigger
I don’t care who you are or who you see yourself as. Girl, you’ve got a purpose in this world that’s bigger than whatever it is you’re doing now.
There’s something that deserves your attention. And yes, it’s for you. But it’s also for whatever impact you’re bound to make by being true to who you are. Because greatness doesn’t stop within your skin. It shines and ripples out into the universe, lighting up every damn thing it touches.
So even if you feel like playing it small is the “better” option (which it aint), it couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s literally keeping yourself away from your purpose. The world needs you to step into your bigger, better self. And by keeping yourself small, you’re keeping that greatness away from everyone.
And that includes you.
Play it Big, Sis
If there’s one thing I’m a hundred percent sure of, it’s that you have big goals. Goals for yourself, your career, your family, your livelihood, and the communities around you.
You wouldn’t be reading this if it weren’t true.
So the next time you find yourself slipping away from the goals you’re after, look your subconscious in the eye and tell it to suck it up. It might be uncomfortable to break into new glass ceilings and face whatever is waiting for you. But it’s even more uncomfortable to watch those glass ceilings constantly build over you while you continue to ache for more.
Playing yourself big is the only choice.
Because that’s where you’ll find power in yourself, reach the goals you’ve been after, and finally make an impact with the purpose you were inherently given.
If you’re one of those people who are still searching for your purpose, I’d like to invite you to hear one of my talks here. We all have a reason for being, and I’d love to help you figure out what that is for yourself.
