The Cost of Playing Small: Why You Need to Own Your Brilliance
Ever notice how often we downplay our strengths at work? It’s something most of us do without even realizing it. Sometimes it’s due to self-doubt, uneasiness with self-promotion, or the assumption that others already recognize our hard work.
Yet in a job interview, you wouldn’t hesitate to share your strengths. You’d talk confidently about your achievements and what you bring to the table.
Well, every workday is an audition for your next career opportunity. So why are we so reluctant to do the same when it comes to our daily interactions and responsibilities?
The truth is, playing small—not owning your brilliance or showcasing your strengths—could be preventing you from reaching your full potential.
The Cost of Playing Small
When we downplay our strengths or fail to fully own our brilliance, we’re not only holding ourselves back, but we’re also contributing to the lack of visibility in our careers. The cost of this behavior is significant:
1. Missed Opportunities: When you don’t make your impact visible, you’re less likely to be considered for new projects, promotions, or leadership opportunities. It’s not about bragging—it’s about showcasing your skills so others can see the value you bring.
2. Stagnant Growth: Without stepping up and sharing your wins, you may end up in the same place for longer than you’d like. Career advancement often comes from seizing opportunities, making connections, and positioning yourself as someone capable and confident.
3. Increased Self-Doubt: Constantly playing small can reinforce negative beliefs about your worth and abilities. Over time, this self-doubt can spiral, creating a barrier between where you are and where you want to be in your career.
If you want to thrive, it’s time to stop dimming your light. The sooner you own your brilliance, the sooner your career will flourish.
Three Simple Habits to Own Your Brilliance
Starting today, you can adopt a few simple habits to help you own your strengths and stop playing small. Here are three practices that can make a huge difference:
✅ Accept and Amplify Praise
How often do you brush off compliments or praise at work? Many people feel uncomfortable accepting positive feedback, dismissing it as “no big deal” or attributing success to luck. But this habit doesn’t serve you. Instead of deflecting praise, accept it and amplify it.
When someone compliments your work, say, “Thank you! I really enjoyed working on this because of my experience with [XYZ].” This not only acknowledges your contribution but also reinforces your value to others. You’re showing confidence in your skills without bragging—simply stating the truth. The more you practice this, the more comfortable you’ll feel owning your achievements.
✅ Know Your Impact
The work you do has a far-reaching impact, even if it isn’t always immediately obvious. One of the easiest ways to track your brilliance is by keeping a 'brag folder'. This could be a physical folder or a digital collection of positive feedback, key accomplishments, or performance reviews.
Over time, this collection will serve as a reminder of your impact and an arsenal of proof when you’re in interviews or performance discussions. Being able to confidently highlight the value you bring to the table can boost your confidence and help you make a stronger case for yourself in career conversations.
✅ Be Ready to Shine
Preparation is key when it comes to owning your brilliance. Keep a recent win or project update ready for meetings or networking opportunities. It’s easy to forget the incredible things you’ve accomplished, especially when you’re in the midst of day-to-day tasks. But having a quick win ready to share will ensure you can demonstrate your value whenever the opportunity arises.
By highlighting specific examples of your success—whether it’s a project you led, a solution you developed, or feedback you received—you remind others of your capabilities and establish yourself as someone who delivers results. This is a simple yet powerful way to ensure that you never miss an opportunity to shine.
The Power of Owning Your Brilliance
In today’s work environment, holding back isn’t an option.
These small habits will help you to stop hiding your light and start confidently sharing your strengths, unlocking the potential for career growth and fulfillment in your professional journey.
So step up and own your brilliance.
Your career deserves it. ✨
Reach out today, and let’s start making your brilliance impossible to ignore!
Visit leadtochange.ca to learn more or schedule a free discovery session.
