How to Deal with the Fear of Speaking Up and Sharing More of Myself at Work

Unlocking Your Potential: Overcoming Performance Blocks

High-achieving individuals often grapple with performance blocks that hinder their progress. These blocks, upon closer examination, may reveal themselves as perfectionism, vulnerability, and fear.

The fear of criticism and judgment often leads us to withhold our words and actions. We worry about what could go wrong and fear appearing weak, foolish, or embarrassing ourselves. This fear extends to concerns about not measuring up to others in terms of intelligence or articulation, which prompts us to hold back, saying and doing less than we're capable of.

Interestingly, these struggles tend to intensify in more conservative work environments or spaces.

So, what's the solution?

The Cure: Embrace vulnerability and put yourself out there, even if it means making mistakes or embarrassing yourself. Embrace failure as a means of growth. Develop strategies for recovering from mishaps and awkward moments. Own these moments, but resist the urge to over-explain.

Above all, trust yourself. You've reached this point in your journey for a reason. You have valuable insights and contributions to offer. Trust that you know what you're doing and that it's okay to be human, complete with flaws and errors.

Show up as your authentic self. Acknowledge the fear, but summon the bravery to push through it. Interestingly, the more vulnerable we are, the more we invite vulnerability in others. When someone opens up about their own struggles, it fosters trust and connection.

Continually exercise your vulnerability muscles thoughtfully. This process builds grit and resilience, strengthens your voice, and bolsters your confidence in your identity. It's a powerful path to personal and professional growth.