Are you hiding in plain sight?

The first time I heard this phrase, it had never occurred to me that I could be doing ALL THE THINGS and still be hiding out in my business. 

How can I possibly be hiding?! I’m recording my podcast, writing posts on social media, doing Instagram stories, working with clients, leading events, creating a  challenge, launching new programs…etc. etc. 

But of course we can! 

I’ve seen myself and the women I serve hiding in the “BUSY” very often, telling ourselves that our dreams and desires have to wait because we aren’t ready, or it’s not the “right time.”

Our ego tends to get sneakier as we get smarter and more conscious, so it makes perfect sense. But this realization lit a serious fire under my booty!

I see it all the time with my clients … we get REALLY good at justifying the story we tell ourselves about why we aren’t yet playing bigger in our lives and work – and yet, if we are being honest, they’re really just EXCUSES wrapped in words that sound “conscious” or “spiritual” or “mindful.”

But sister … I’ve gotta be straight with you today… you can meditate on it forever and wait for “perfect” circumstances to arise, but you’re ultimately depriving the world of your gifts the longer you stay in that space.

I’m passionate about helping more women do the necessary soul-work so they can do their soul’s work in the world, have their voices and opinions heard, and claim their power and natural leadership. 

I’ve never been more convinced than NOW that it’s our time as women to rise up, and it breaks my heart to see so many women in hiding (myself included at times).

Here are my top 5 tips to be more confident + visible, starting NOW:

Put something {Imperfectly} out there 

Most times, “done” is better than perfect. Many of my clients have a tendency to need something to feel “perfect” or “just right” or “more aligned” before they hit send or post. In my experience, it’s pretty empowering to just DO it, put it out there, and show up. The major difference I’ve witnessed in women who achieve the results they desire is that they are willing to keep showing up, even when it’s excruciatingly uncomfortable because they know that it means they’re on a growth edge and playing bigger in their lives + businesses. 

Challenge yourself to be even more vulnerable

I get it, sister. Vulnerability can be hard and scary at times. But vulnerability is courageous, and leadership requires it, so the more you practice, the better. Being seen for who we really are, in our messiness, imperfections, and un-doneness is challenging for most of us, because we have this idea in our minds that in order to lead people, we have to be perfect, have it all together at all times, and only talk about the light + positive stuff about our journeys. I used to feel this way too, for the record, and have since learned that it’s so much more powerful to show people your humanity, because that’s where they can connect with you. And that authentic connection builds rapport, and has people resonate with you, your story, + your mission so much more than just playing the highlight reel for them, over and over. Try posting a picture with no makeup on social media, or sharing a raw story of something you’ve recently been through or processed and share the gem or lesson you received from it. What would be your version of a level-up in the vulnerability department? Go do that. 

Get out of your comfort zone in any way you can

Even though we’re really talking about visibility and confidence in your business, any way that you can embody a “win” and build evidence that you are awesome and can totally do hard things is going to be great for you in overcoming this challenging spot. So get out from behind your computer and go play Top Golf, rent a kayak, or do something out of the norm for you so that you can find the joy in trying something new + stepping outside of your comfort zone for a little while. 

Fail at something

Are you already mad that this one is on the list?! I know, I know… we don’t LOVE failing, but learning to LOVE failure is actually a key to success. Use a failure or a “no” from a potential client as evidence that you’re putting yourself out there enough that someone can actually reject you, disagree with you, or feel triggered by what you’re saying! Believe it or not, that’s a GREAT thing, and it’s great proof that you are actually doing something worthwhile, sharing what you stand for, and being honest about who you are and why you’re here. 

Decide to be more loyal to your dreams than your fears

This is a big one. In order to succeed in anything at all, you MUST make a decision that the result you’re seeking is a done deal. In your mind, it should be non-negotiable that THIS. IS. HAPPENING… no matter what circumstances may arise. Of course you can always be flexible, change course, update the plan, and so on, but the actual dream requires your loyalty in order to actually become reality. Otherwise, left to our own devices, survival mode kicks in when we are expanding and stepping outside of our comfort zones, so fear takes over and keeps us in hiding. Your commitment to your dream and the bigger “WHY” behind what you’re doing can help propel you forward and get out of your own way in times when your fear-based instincts would have you freeze, resist, or avoid the action you know would you achieve your goals. 

What are your favorite ways to boost your confidence + put yourself out there, love? Share with us in the comments below!

Love + light, 

Emily