What’s holding you back from being seen?
Written by Rowena Morais
You can find any number of reasons to take a step back, peek from behind the curtain, pause that idea, or hold space for someone else’s ambitions. But you only need one good reason to say yes to yourself.
If you’re finding it hard to step forward, share your ideas, showcase your work, and simply be visible, it’s worth exploring what exactly might be holding you back.
“What if I don’t have anything original to say?”
But you will. You’ve been taught to doubt your voice, but you weren’t born that way. You were born fearless.
Somewhere along the way, doubt, uncertainty and fear crept in. And stayed.
Here’s something that’s taken me years to understand and accept — originality is not always about saying something entirely new. It’s about telling your truth in your voice. And no one else can do that the way you can.
“But know this: if you choose to play small or let fear win, you miss out.“
“I’m afraid I’ll be judged or misunderstood.”
Being seen and heard is not about being liked. You’re not trying to be liked by everyone but by your tribe. And they can’t find you or support you if you don’t speak up and show up.
Misunderstanding and judgement are bound to happen sometimes, but it’s important to share your story and make your case, whatever that looks like.
“I’m too busy // I’ve got kids to raise // I just don’t have the time right now.”
I believe you. But while you’re making excuses, others are finding a way forward and getting things done. You can too — on your terms and at your own pace.
This is not about doing more. It’s about doing what is most meaningful to you right now. So chunk the work and set realistic goals. But know this: if you choose to play small or let fear win, you miss out.
“I’m not ready right now, maybe next year.”
What are you waiting for? Perfection? A sign? For the fear to fade away? The fear tends to remain but you do get better at managing it. And this is more important: there is so much beauty, momentum and amazing energy in that very first step you take, no matter how small it is.
You don’t need to be 100% ready. You just need to begin. You’ll figure the rest out along the way.
“I hate promoting myself — it feels yucky.”
I get it, self-promotion can feel like arrogance. But this isn’t visibility for the sake of attention. It’s about being seen for who you are and the value you bring.
You get to tell that story — your story.
Here’s what’s worked for me: stop thinking of it as self-promotion and seek to serve. When you put out a video or post, you’re looking to increase awareness and understanding of the things that matter within your circles of influence. You’re adding your voice and being part of the conversation. You’re supporting, driving, maybe, even leading. That’s visibility.
“I don’t even know how to be visible. What does that even mean?”
Visibility is about being seen, heard and understood authentically and in alignment with your purpose. Of course that looks different for everyone, and that’s the point, isn’t it?
The good news is that I have an approach that makes visibility feel less daunting, and I’d love to share it with you.
“What if I fail?”
We all fail at something at some point. The goal isn’t to avoid doing things we love because we fear failing. It’s to keep going despite the fear.
Fear, doubt and uncertainty will come along for the ride when you’re doing work that matters. Keep going anyway with energy, enthusiasm and hope. Do the work that drives you. Protect your dream.
If you’ve made it this far, now seems like the right time to let you know: I can help you with this. Together with Krista Goon, I am running From Vision to Voice, a 4-week Visibility Sprint for women who do great work, and we’d love for you to join us.
You don’t have to go it alone. With this program, you’ll have something I never did – a small and supportive community all working on their visibility and voice. We’re here to back you and get you over the line.
👉Learn more about From Vision to Voice.
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