If you’ve ever sat there thinking, “Why do I freeze up the second I need to speak up at work?” you’re not broken, you’re human.

It’s not your skill, or smarts, or even your boss’s dodgy leadership style. It’s sabotage. And, that’s what keeps so many brilliant women from stepping up.

I’m talking about the subtle, unconscious patterns that keep us stuck in fear instead of moving into fabulous. Even if you’ve done all the courses, read all the books, and still feel stuck, these patterns can run the show. And, that’s why awareness is the first game-changer.

Here are 5 of the most common Confidence Killers:

1. The “Tall Poppy Syndrome” Voice in Your Head

You know the one, “Who do you think you are, standing out?”

We shrink ourselves so others don’t feel uncomfortable. Even if you tell yourself you’re just being humble, you’re still clipping your own wings. And, that’s why giving yourself permission to shine is non-negotiable.

2. The Overthinking Olympics

Instead of taking action, you’ve already played out 15 scenarios in your head, all ending in disaster. (Spoiler, only one involves a fire alarm going off mid-presentation.) Even if you think overthinking keeps you safe, it’s really just keeping you stuck. And, that’s how opportunities quietly pass you by.

3. The Nice Girl Trap

Saying yes to everything because heaven forbid you upset someone. Meanwhile, you’re running on flat whites and fumes. Even if you think saying yes is keeping the peace, it’s costing you your energy. And, that’s why boundaries are your best friend.

4. The “Impostor” Hoodie

Slipping this one on makes you feel like you don’t belong, even though you’re smashing it. It’s like turning up to a BBQ with pavlova and still thinking you brought the wrong dessert. Even if you’ve got the skills, you’ll feel like a fraud until you rewrite that story. And, that’s how impostor syndrome keeps you small.

5. The Waiting Game

You’re waiting until you feel “ready.” Hate to break it to you, confidence comes after the leap, not before. Even if you think one day you’ll wake up ready, you won’t. And, that’s why action has to come first.

👉 Once you see these patterns for what they are, you can break them. That’s exactly what we do inside Fearful to Fabulous.

​If you’re ready to stop shrinking and start stepping up, come join me: Click here. You don’t have to do this alone, we've got you. C