9 Ways to Stop Playing Small and Celebrate Your Greatness

Do you avoid situations, miss out on opportunities or hold yourself back sometimes? If so, do you know why? In this article I’m sharing 9 ways to stop playing small, shine bright and celebrate your greatness. Show the world exactly what you have to offer.

DO YOU HOLD YOURSELF BACK IN ANY WAY?

Do you ever feel like you’re holding yourself back? Like you have big dreams, talents, and ideas but somehow keep shrinking away from opportunities? You’re not alone. So many of us play small—whether it’s out of fear, self-doubt, or the habit of putting others before ourselves. But life is too short to live in the shadows of what you could be.

I know this to be true for a different reason. I’m a short person and when I was a child through teenager, I found being vertically challenged actually dented my confidence a lot. To the point where I didn’t want to go to parties or be with large groups of people because I felt out of place. Everyone seemed taller and more valuable, interesting and I just got lost in the crowd, or worse still, literally and metaphorically looked down upon.

I avoided those large groups or drawing any attention to myself and probably missed out on some great opportunities that could have come way. In other words, my lack of height meant I was playing small, literally and metaphorically. Gosh, we’re hard on ourselves sometimes aren’t we?

As I got older, I realised that my lack of height didn’t define me as a person and I fully embrace the benefits of being efficiently and economically sized!

But when I got over myself, stopped being held back by something that wasn’t really worth being held back by and leaned into all the qualities that I did actually possess – even if height wasn’t one of them – I got much more out of life.

9 WAYS TO STOP PLAYING SMALL AND CELEBRATE YOUR GREATNESS

So, whatever’s been holding you back, or stopping you from being the best and most amazing you that you can be, let’s find a way to help you overcome that too!

It’s time to step up, embrace your greatness, and stop settling for less than you deserve. Playing big doesn’t mean being arrogant or reckless—it means fully owning who you are, taking up space, and sharing your gifts with the world. This is the practice of intentional living and one way to make life rich, full and meaningful.

If you’re ready to stop dimming your light, here are nine powerful ways to break free from playing small and start living boldly.

1. Recognise Where You’re Holding Yourself Back

The first step in breaking free from playing small is awareness. Take a moment to reflect—where in your life are you shrinking yourself? Is it at work, in relationships, or in your personal goals? Do you hesitate to speak up, say no, or go after what you want?

Journaling can help uncover patterns you might not even realise you have. Write down moments when you’ve avoided taking action because of fear or self-doubt. Awareness is the foundation of change.

Try these journal prompts for a troubled mind.

2. Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs

We all have an inner voice that whispers doubts: “I’m not good enough,” “I’ll probably fail,” “Who am I to do this?” But these are just thoughts—not facts.

Start questioning these beliefs. When you catch yourself thinking, “I can’t,” ask yourself, “Is that really true?” Often, it’s not. Reframe your thinking. Instead of “I don’t know enough,” try “I am always learning and growing.” Instead of “I’ll probably fail,” remind yourself, “Failure is just part of the process.”

Your mindset shapes your reality, so choose thoughts that empower rather than limit you.

3. Stop Waiting for Permission

Too often, we wait for someone to tell us it’s okay to go after what we want. But here’s the truth: you don’t need permission. You don’t need to be picked, validated, or given the go-ahead by anyone else.

If there’s something you want to do—whether it’s starting a business, writing a book, changing careers, or simply setting boundaries—start now. Don’t wait for approval. The only validation you need is your own belief in yourself.

4. Take Up Space—Physically and Emotionally

Playing small often means physically making yourself smaller—crossing your arms, slouching, avoiding eye contact. It also means holding back emotionally—staying quiet when you have something to say or minimising your achievements.

Start owning your space. Stand tall (particularly for us short people!), plant your feet firmly on the ground, speak clearly, and don’t apologise for your presence. Celebrate your wins, whether they’re big or small. If you’ve worked hard for something, acknowledge it. Stop dismissing compliments with “Oh, it was nothing”—own your success.

5. Let Go of People-Pleasing

If you’re constantly trying to make everyone else happy, you might be putting yourself last. Saying yes when you want to say no, keeping quiet to avoid upsetting someone, or changing yourself to fit in—these are all ways we play small.

Start valuing your needs just as much as everyone else’s. Set boundaries, say no without guilt, and surround yourself with people who respect and uplift you. The people who truly love and respect you will want to see you thrive—not shrink.

6. Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable

Growth happens outside of your comfort zone. If you want to stop playing small, you need to get used to feeling uncomfortable. That means putting yourself in situations where you might fail, be judged, or feel unsure—but doing it anyway.

Apply for that job, start the project, sign up for the class. The more you stretch yourself, the more confident you’ll become. Remember, everything that feels hard now will one day be second nature if you keep going.

7. Speak Up and Share Your Ideas

Your voice matters. Whether it’s in meetings, conversations, or round the dinner table, don’t be afraid to share your thoughts, ideas, and opinions. What you have to say is valuable, and the more you practise speaking up, the easier it gets.

If self-doubt creeps in, remind yourself that no one else sees the world exactly as you do. Your perspective is unique, and the world needs more of you.

8. Take Action, Even When You Don’t Feel Ready

Perfectionism and self-doubt can keep you stuck. You might think, “I’ll start when I’m more experienced, more confident, or when the timing is better.” But if you wait until you feel ready, you’ll never start.

Confidence doesn’t come before action—it comes from action. Start messy. Start unsure. But just start. Taking small, consistent steps will build the momentum you need.

9. Surround Yourself with People Who Lift You Up

If you spend time with people who doubt, criticise, or belittle you, you’ll start believing their words. But if you surround yourself with supportive, ambitious, and positive people, you’ll start rising to their level.

Find a community that encourages your growth—whether that’s friends, mentors, or online spaces filled with like-minded people. Be around those who inspire you to dream bigger, take risks, and own your greatness.

CONCLUSION

Playing small doesn’t serve you, and it doesn’t serve the world. You have gifts, talents, and a voice that deserve to be seen and heard.

So, take that first step. Speak up. Step out of your comfort zone. Believe in yourself, even when it feels hard. You don’t need permission, and you don’t need to be perfect—you just need to start.

Your greatness is already within you. It’s time to own it. And, as I remind myself often, own your space and stand as tall as you can.

What’s one small step you can take today to stop playing small? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to cheer you on!

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