Most of us have at least one area of our life where we are playing it small i.e. we’re not doing the best we can or asking for the best we can receive.
This is usually because we don’t feel we deserve it, maybe we fear judgement from others or we don't think it's possible for us.
I used to dread appraisal time at my last job. I would go to the meeting unprepared, not remembering everything I’d achieved in the past year.
My boss didn't really know what I’d achieved but how could he? He had a large team to manage and his own job to do.
He would present his loose perception of my achievements and my value to the company. Even if I didn't agree, I didn't have the evidence to challenge him.
That's when I realised I was playing it small. I wanted the recognition I knew I deserved, so I upped my game.
I started keeping a log of my achievements throughout the year; the projects I had completed, the money I had saved the company, the improved services, the positive feedback and when it came to appraisal time, I had it all to hand. I received my recognition and more.
PLAYING IT SMALL EXAMPLES
You might want your business to be more successful but you fear being visible and avoid marketing your services. If you keep playing it small, how will clients find you and get the unique help only you can provide?
Maybe you're not charging for your services because you fear no one will want to pay for your offerings.
You could have a desire to work out at the gym but you don’t want to look silly trying to use the equipment. Watching a few beginner tutorials could give you the confidence to get started.
Perhaps someone has invited you to talk on a topic you're passionate about but you continually make excuses whilst secretly wishing you had the confidence to accept. Maybe it’s time for your message to be heard.
Playing it small can become such a familiar habit that we don't even realise we're doing it. Sometimes, all it takes is one moment of awareness to recognise that we're capable of so much more.
With love and light
Gwen x
Gwen Allison
Founder, My Spiritual Butterfly
