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The Real Reason You’re Still Playing Small (and How to Stop)
Feedback or Questions? Send us a text!
1 BIG IDEA
Playing small doesn’t protect your leadership—it dilutes it. In a world that rewards caution and conformity, it takes courage to lead with authenticity. This episode unpacks why we shrink, how it costs us—and what it looks like to show up whole, steady, and courageous.
3 WAYS TO APPLY THIS
- Recognize where fear is holding you back—visibility, relationships, or even your pricing.
- Reflect on the source of that fear. Is it an Assumption, Belief, or Conditioning (your ABCs)?
- Respond with one bold action that honors your Core Values, even if it feels “too big.”
3 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF
- Where have I been shrinking back out of fear of being “too much”?
- Which of my ABCs are feeding that fear? (See Episode 235 for more on your ABCs.)
- Who benefits if I stop playing small—and who misses out if I don’t?
GO DEEPER
- Core Values Blueprint (Free Download): https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/values
Start anchoring your decisions in clarity and confidence. - Uncover Your Core Values Course: https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/values
Discover and define the values that ground your leadership. - Core Values Coaching Program: https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/values
Work with Andrea to build steady, values-based confidence. - Missed Live2Lead? You can still experience it online through LeaderPass ($79).
Watch the keynotes and leadership lessons anytime through February 2026:
https://leaderpass.com/pass/live2lead/host/?ref=RHYBTBBY
PROUD PARTNERS OF STAND TALL & OWN IT
- 🎙️ PodMatch- It’s time to use your voice and share your message, PodMatch is where I recommend starting. It’s how I booked myself on 100 podcasts last year—connecting with the right hosts and audiences who needed to hear it.
Check it out here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/theintentionaloptimist - 💌 Liz Wilcox’s Email Marketing Membership - This $9/month membership gives you everything you need to build your email list and show up confidently.
Join through my link and you’ll get my Healthy Boundaries Make Happy Holidays Masterclass—free—as a bonus.
Because the holidays are where leadership, values, and courage all get tested.
Sign up here:
Get 40% Off Annual Membership
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
LET’S CONNECT
Instagram + LinkedIn → @theintentionaloptimist
Email → [email protected]
Podcast Hub → theintentionaloptimist.com/podcast
YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@intentionaloptimist
ENJOYING THE SHOW? LEAVE A RATING & REVIEW
Apple → Scroll down on the podcast page, hit 5-stars, and write a quick review.
Podchaser (Android) → podchaser.com/podcasts/stand-tall-own-it-empowering-p-1406762
View all episodes
By Andrea Johnson
4.8
4141 ratings
Feedback or Questions? Send us a text!
1 BIG IDEA
Playing small doesn’t protect your leadership—it dilutes it. In a world that rewards caution and conformity, it takes courage to lead with authenticity. This episode unpacks why we shrink, how it costs us—and what it looks like to show up whole, steady, and courageous.
3 WAYS TO APPLY THIS
- Recognize where fear is holding you back—visibility, relationships, or even your pricing.
- Reflect on the source of that fear. Is it an Assumption, Belief, or Conditioning (your ABCs)?
- Respond with one bold action that honors your Core Values, even if it feels “too big.”
3 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF
- Where have I been shrinking back out of fear of being “too much”?
- Which of my ABCs are feeding that fear? (See Episode 235 for more on your ABCs.)
- Who benefits if I stop playing small—and who misses out if I don’t?
GO DEEPER
- Core Values Blueprint (Free Download): https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/values
Start anchoring your decisions in clarity and confidence. - Uncover Your Core Values Course: https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/values
Discover and define the values that ground your leadership. - Core Values Coaching Program: https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/values
Work with Andrea to build steady, values-based confidence. - Missed Live2Lead? You can still experience it online through LeaderPass ($79).
Watch the keynotes and leadership lessons anytime through February 2026:
https://leaderpass.com/pass/live2lead/host/?ref=RHYBTBBY
PROUD PARTNERS OF STAND TALL & OWN IT
- 🎙️ PodMatch- It’s time to use your voice and share your message, PodMatch is where I recommend starting. It’s how I booked myself on 100 podcasts last year—connecting with the right hosts and audiences who needed to hear it.
Check it out here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/theintentionaloptimist - 💌 Liz Wilcox’s Email Marketing Membership - This $9/month membership gives you everything you need to build your email list and show up confidently.
Join through my link and you’ll get my Healthy Boundaries Make Happy Holidays Masterclass—free—as a bonus.
Because the holidays are where leadership, values, and courage all get tested.
Sign up here:
Get 40% Off Annual Membership
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
LET’S CONNECT
Instagram + LinkedIn → @theintentionaloptimist
Email → [email protected]
Podcast Hub → theintentionaloptimist.com/podcast
YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@intentionaloptimist
ENJOYING THE SHOW? LEAVE A RATING & REVIEW
Apple → Scroll down on the podcast page, hit 5-stars, and write a quick review.
Podchaser (Android) → podchaser.com/podcasts/stand-tall-own-it-empowering-p-1406762