Where do you hide or minimize yourself? Do you dare to believe the good things people say about you, or do you dismiss them?

We all minimize ourselves in ways and tend to discount the praise we receive. I do it, and I am lucky to have a few people in my life who call me out and don’t let me continue to play small.

The world tells us (particularly women and those from historically marginalized backgrounds) that we are supposed to minimize ourselves. Don’t brag, don’t be too much, don’t take up space, don’t get too big for your britches, etc. These are messages that we get directly and indirectly…and they keep us from sharing our magic with the world.

The older I get, the more I recognize these messages for what they are, and can stop believing them.

I see the incredible greatness in every client I work with and my job is to help them to see the same. Every single time they feel like they should be able to do that for themselves. Here’s the secret: none of us can do it for ourselves! I’ve lived over 44 years inside my brain and body, and can only see things through that lens. You’ve lived your whole life inside your brain and body, and your own lens. We all need the external perspective to help us recognize our greatness. Our job is to listen to it and receive it as the truth.

Listen to the people who reflect your greatness and start letting yourself believe the things they say. Notice the ways you’re believing the messaging that you have to stay small, and stop believing it. The world needs you to believe in your magic.