I find that it’s empowering to periodically step back, self-reflect, and get radically honest. On the deliciously long menu of ways you can self-reflect, here is a straight forward inquiry process that challenges you to fulfill the potential you have right now. Your capacity and potential continuously changes as you grow and learn. Are you playing up to your fresh and current potential today?
This inquiry is important to me because I see my clients slide into playing beneath their actual capacity and not realize it. This can happen for any number of reasons, including but not limited to stress, anxiety, personal life pressures, low self-esteem, uncertainty, fear of taking risks, impostor syndrome, getting caught up in routine and habit, etc.
This exercise can help shine a light on any way you might be playing small… and thus also illuminate new (and hopefully exciting) possibilities for growth. Note: this can be helpful to do with your coach 😉 or with a trusted friend.
The steps are simple, but the execution requires a little nuance and intention.
Step 1: Set the Container: Start with some quiet space
What helps you reflect and listen? Someplace quiet where you can contemplate and really tune in. It might be outside in nature, in a quiet spot at home, or somewhere else. Grab a journal if you need.
Step 2: Brutal Honesty – Are You Playing Small?
I’m not interested in hearing what your internalized voice of society (or your parents, etc.) might say. I’m interested in your truth, your knowing of yourself.
Is there any way in which you are playing small right now at work, or anywhere in your life? Are you fulfilling your true capacity and potential right now?
If you realize that you are stretching all the ways you can, then it’s time to celebrate and leave this exercise for another day. If you find you are playing small in any way, continue to the next step.
Step 3: Understanding – Why Are You Playing Small?
Maybe you have really good reasons. Before jumping to judgment or criticism, find out why you are playing small.
Why are you playing small, holding back, or not stretching?
If you are making a calculated, conscious choice not to invest too much time or energy in something, that’s great. The point of this whole exercise is to illuminate what’s not conscious. If your intentions and actions are in alignment, you’re golden.
If your intentions and actions are not aligned, then let’s get more curious.
Step 4: Action – What Do I Want to Do About It?
Again, this part requires that you reach into your own inner authority and knowing.
What do you want to do about playing small? Is there any way you want to stretch more? What might that look like? Do you need any support, or do you just need to do it?
Feel free to consider all the possibilities and get creative.
Recently, I facilitated this inquiry process with a group of leaders and their answers were immensely varied. They shared everything from “I’m playing small because I’m holding back and waiting to see what the market does before I take action,” to “I am exhausted, and I haven’t been very motivated to step up,” or “I have impostor syndrome.”
Whatever the answer is, you can meet it and shift however you need to; you just need to be aware of the truth first.
My desire for you is that you are fulfilling your potential right now in a way that feels in integrity and alignment for you. I support you to play as your fullest self, whatever that means to you right now.
I’d love to hear what you discover in this inquiry! Reach out and drop me a line, or let’s chat in session. And please share this with anyone who could benefit – thank you.
If you need more support and brainstorming, let’s meet: Schedule a time. New clients can schedule a free 30-minute intro session. I look forward to talking.