Have you ever had something valuable to say, like in a meeting when you actually have a solid idea but you keep it to yourself, or when a friend is yapping and you know exactly what might help but you hesitate to share it, or even when you’re writing something you think could really resonate with people but you never hit “post”, and instead of sharing it, you just kind of sit there like a squirrel who forgot where it buried its nuts?
I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately, how often I want to provide value to others, to help someone out, to maybe even inspire a random internet human scrolling at 2am, but then I let myself get in the way. Whether it’s perfectionism, overthinking, or just general “blah” energy, I’ll freeze up and forget about it.
I realized it usually starts with a dumb little voice in my head going, “Well, who are YOU to say that?” Or “What if it’s not helpful enough?” Or “What if people think this is stupid?” (Spoiler alert: some people will think it’s stupid. And that’s okay.)
But here’s the deal, I’ve noticed that whenever I push past that inner resistance and actually say the thing, or do the thing, it ends up resonating with someone. Even if it’s just one person. And honestly, if one person finds it useful, laughs a little, or thinks, “Huh, that actually makes sense,” then I’d call that a win. That’s the whole point.
So why do we stop ourselves?
Because we’re scared. Because being seen is vulnerable. Because we’d rather imagine providing value than risk actually doing it and not being perfect. But perfection is a myth. And trying to reach it is like trying to pet your dog that doesn’t exist. You’re just out there waving your hand at the air.
So here’s what I’m working on: giving myself permission to show up as I am, not as some polished, perfect version of me who has it all figured out (lol). Because real impact doesn’t come from being flawless, it comes from being real.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re getting in your own way when it comes to helping others, you’re not alone. But maybe today’s the day we say, “Screw it,” and share the thing anyway.
Who knows, what you say might be exactly what someone needed to hear.
Thank you
And as always, remember: today is a great day to get out of your own way.
Blake