5 Ways to Stop Dimming your Light as a Leader

Does this sound like you?

You wait until everyone else has spoken before you chime in — if you speak at all.
You downplay your ideas with phrases like, “This might be a dumb idea, but…”
You sit on a job application for a week because you’re not qualified.
You brush off compliments with, “It was nothing.”
You scroll LinkedIn and immediately feel behind, wondering if you’re doing enough.

If any of that hits, you’re not alone — and you’re not broken.
But here’s the truth: You don’t have to wait for a title or a moment to step into leadership.

Often, what’s holding you back isn’t your skill — it’s the small habits that chip away at your confidence daily.

In this post, we’re not just identifying how we shrink… we’re replacing them with real-world actions you can start using this week.

Let’s get into it.

1. Instead of Not Speaking Up...

Try This:
Set a goal to speak once in every meeting, class, or group setting — even if it’s to support someone else’s idea.

Real-World Example:
a) If you’re in a Zoom meeting, type “I agree with that point because…” in the chat. Start small and grow from there.

b) Before a meeting, jot down one point or question you want to raise. That way, you’re not scrambling in the moment and are more likely to contribute confidently.

2. Instead of Waiting Too Long...

Try This:
Give yourself a 48-hour rule. When a new idea or opportunity pops up, commit to moving on within 2 days — pitch it, apply, or speak on it.

Real-World Example:
a) Saw a job posting? Don’t wait. Update your resume tonight and apply. Want to pitch a new project idea? Draft the outline by Friday.

b) Would you like to contact a mentor or professional connection? Send the email now — even if it’s not perfect. The door doesn’t open unless you knock.

3. Instead of Downplaying Your Wins...

Try This:
Create a “Wins List” and update it weekly. Practice saying, “Thank you, I worked hard on that,” when complimented.

Real-World Example:
a) In your next 1:1 with a supervisor or mentor, lead with a win you’re proud of. It builds your confidence and visibility.

b) When someone praises your work, don’t redirect the credit. Instead, follow up with: “Thanks! I learned a lot from that project.” Own your growth and your results.

4. Instead of Doubting Yourself Out Loud...

Try This:
Replace self-doubt phrases with confident, neutral ones.

• “This might be a silly idea, but…”

• “Here’s one approach we could consider…”

Real-World Example:
a) Before your next presentation or meeting, rehearse how you want to present your ideas — without disclaimers.

b) Write down three phrases you tend to say when nervous. Practice rewriting them in your notes or script to sound clear and assertive. Then, rehearse using the confident versions aloud.

5. Instead of Comparing Yourself to Others...

Try This:
Start a “Me vs. Me” tracking system. Each week, reflect on how you’ve grown — one skill, one mindset shift, or one small win.

Real-World Example:
a) Track progress with a weekly reflection journal:
“What did I do this week that scared, stretched, or made me proud?”

b) Keep a visual tracker (in Asana, a whiteboard, or a sticky note wall) where you mark your weekly courage wins — big or small. Watch your growth build momentum.

---
Listen, you don’t have to flip the switch overnight — but you do have to start noticing when you’re dimming your light.

This week, choose just one of these actions. Lead a little bigger. Speak a little louder. Own a little more of who you are.

Because the world needs your voice, it's not the smaller version — the full one.