Showing Up Without Shrinking 🌟

Hello! And Happy Monday.

You’re not new to being visible. You lead meetings, present in front of groups, and handle difficult conversations. You’ve got the experience, the credibility, and the presence. And yet, there are still moments when something holds you back from fully stepping forward.

Not from fear, but from conditioning, habit, or quiet self-doubt.

~ Maybe you soften your message when you know you should be more direct.

~ Maybe you hesitate to share your ideas when the room feels tense.

~ Maybe you stay a little quieter than you want to, just to avoid being “too much.”

It’s subtle, but over time, it adds up.

This week’s Stress Shifter is about those moments: the ones where you notice yourself dialling down, holding back, or quietly stepping out of your own spotlight. It’s not about pushing or performing. It’s about giving yourself full permission to take up space and let your presence land — clearly, confidently, and without apology.

The Context: Why Strong, Capable Leaders Still Hold Back From Full Visibility

If you're a woman in a learning leadership role, chances are you’ve spent years building your credibility through results, delivery, and consistency.

You’ve earned your place in the room, but visibility isn’t just about showing up, it’s about speaking up. And that’s where self-doubt can quietly show itself. Here’s why:

~ You’ve learned how to lead with humility, which is a strength, but sometimes you overcorrect, just to avoid seeming like you're self-promoting.

~ You’re navigating complex dynamics, in rooms where politics, seniority, or strong personalities can make it easier to sit back than speak up.

~ You’ve become skilled at reading the room, but that awareness can tip into overthinking, making you second-guess whether now is the right moment to say what’s really on your mind.

The Tools & Frameworks: How to Protect Your Energy During Busy Weeks

The Small Moments Strategy: stepping into fuller visibility doesn’t need to start with a huge presentation or bold keynote. It starts with deliberate, low-pressure practice.

Look at the shape of your week ahead and identify a few moments where you tend to hold back, places where you could take up just a bit more space. Then decide where to practise.

For example:

~ Speaking first in a meeting rather than waiting

~ Sharing your opinion more assertively in group discussion

~ Owning your contribution without minimising it

~ Holding eye contact when stating your view

~ Speaking up even when it’s uncomfortable

Why it works: these aren’t dramatic moves, but they send a signal to your nervous system that visibility is safe. And over time, that signal builds confidence, presence, and authority in a way that’s authentic and sustainable.

The Purpose-Led Visibility Shift: if being visible brings up discomfort, it’s often because the spotlight feels like it’s “on you.” This reframe can change the entire experience.

Before a meeting, presentation or moment where you need to step forward, take a couple of minutes to ask:

~ “What do I want people to walk away with?”

~ “What value am I adding by showing up clearly here?”

~ “How could my voice help move something forward for the group?”

Why it works: when you see visibility as contribution rather than performance, the pressure shifts. You’re not pushing to be seen — you’re stepping up to support what matters.

The Pre-Frame Ritual: the challenge of visibility can be less about content and more about energy — the nerves, the adrenaline, the inner voice that kicks in just before you speak.

Having a short, intentional pre-frame ritual can help settle your system and shift your state. Here’s a simple one to try:

1. Breathe: three deep, steady breaths. Feel your feet on the floor. Slow your exhale.

2. Anchor: choose one clear intention for the moment. E.g. “Contribute clearly,” “Support the team,” “Say what matters.”

3. Remind: say to yourself: “I don’t have to be perfect. I just have to be present.”

Why it works: used consistently, this small ritual builds safety into visibility. It becomes a cue to step forward with clarity, not tension.

I hope you find these helpful. Wishing you all the very best for a week of showing up, standing tall, and letting yourself be seen,

Karen

Book a free introduction call to find out how working with me can help you reclaim confidence and control, so that you can excel at work and enjoy life: https://calendly.com/karen-karenhaguecoaching/intro