I hear it from my clients all the time. I know what it’s like to feel like you’re supposed to be the loudest person in the room to be heard or noticed. I used to worry that my natural introversion meant that I would never succeed, make a difference, or be able to influence others. I wanted to make a difference, be strong in my convictions and what I stood for, but I apologized with my words, energy, and body. Not wanting to ruffle feathers, I unconsciously traded my authenticity for “being nice.” 

It is human nature to want to be well-liked and received by others. There is nothing wrong with that. But, what I noticed about my former self and many quiet people I work with, is that the desire to be well-liked dominates almost everything we do. AND the cost of that is that we give up who we indeed are. That comes with enormous consequences that impact every area of our lives.

Being a bold self-leader sometimes means that you do ruffle feathers. 

Not on purpose, of course. But it can be a side effect of stepping into your next level of self-leadership and unleashing your unique power. I am living proof that being a bold self-leader does not require you to be loud, be someone you’re not, or compromise who you are.

Being quiet and speaking up both have a place in the world. I have experienced many levels of personal and professional success. I have gone from being invisible to being unforgettable. And I don’t say that with a puffed-out chest, out of vanity, or to brag about myself. I say that because…

People with a strong presence and social and emotional intelligence are unforgettable.

Introverts make some of the world’s best leaders. You know them… people like Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Emma Watson, and Meryl Streep, to name a few. They have influence, power, authority, and great personal presence. They are unforgettable.

And you, my friend, can be too.