Stop Shrinking Yourself to Make Other People Comfortable

If you’ve ever toned yourself down, second-guessed your wins, or laughed off a compliment just to keep things “easy,” you’re not humble, you’re hiding. Shrinking feels safe, but it slowly erodes your confidence in rooms you were meant to own.

Here’s how to stop:

• Notice the moment you self-edit – That quick rephrase? That softened truth? Those are micro-signals that you’re prioritizing comfort over truth.
  
  

• Stop apologizing for your impact – Your light isn’t “too much.” Their discomfort isn’t your assignment.
  
  

• Hold space for tension – Let others adjust to your full presence without managing their reactions for them.
  
  

• Practice “owning it” in safe spaces – Start where it’s low-stakes. Speak with conviction, even if your voice shakes.
  
  

• Redefine “kindness” – Shrinking isn’t kindness—it’s self-erasure. Real kindness includes you, too.
  
  

You weren’t made to be palatable. You were made to be powerful. Take up space like you were born to.