The Selfish Side of Playing Small in Life
I thought about this as I listened to a podcast while I was at the gym tonight. I am obsessed with the Jasmine Star podcast and usually listen to her guests on repeat until I really get the message! Her guest, Jen Gottlieb made a comment during the podcast and it hit me pretty good. She said, if you are playing small and not showing up for people, it is actually an act of selfishness! Say what?! Yes, holding yourself back means you aren't helping someone that may have needed to hear your story and your message.
Life is full of opportunities for us to shine, make a difference, and show up for the people around us. Yet, many of us choose to play small, hiding our true potential, and not fully engaging in the world. While some may view this as a way to avoid responsibility or minimize risk, it's essential to recognize that playing small can be a selfish act. In this blog post, we will explore how playing small in life and not showing up for people can have a negative impact not only on ourselves but on those we interact with.
Wasted Potential
One of the most significant ways playing small can be seen as selfish is the squandering of your potential. Each one of us has unique talents, skills, and perspectives that can make a positive impact on the world. By not fully engaging and utilizing these abilities, we deprive others of the benefits of what we have to offer. This can be especially true in personal and professional relationships, where your contributions might be exactly what someone needs to thrive or succeed.
Missed Opportunities for Growth
When we choose to play small and avoid taking on new challenges, we miss out on valuable opportunities for personal growth. This selfish act not only limits our own potential but also impedes the growth of those who could have learned and benefited from our experiences. By refusing to step out of our comfort zones and share our knowledge, we inhibit the development of our peers, colleagues, and loved ones.
Impact on the Community and Society
On a larger scale, playing small can also have a negative impact on your community and society as a whole. When individuals refrain from engaging in positive actions and contributing to the betterment of society, we collectively suffer. Positive change often begins with small acts of kindness, generosity, and community involvement. When we withhold these contributions, we hinder the progress and well-being of our communities and society at large.
It's important to recognize that playing small in life and not showing up for people can be a selfish act with far-reaching consequences. When we withhold our potential, miss opportunities for growth, undermine relationships, and reinforce negative habits, we not only limit ourselves but also harm those around us. Embracing our full potential and actively participating in the lives of others can have a profound positive impact on ourselves and our communities. So, let's challenge ourselves to break free from playing small and make the choice to show up for others, ultimately creating a more generous, interconnected, and compassionate world.
