So here’s my best-kept secret.
Even though I’ve never (and probably will never), sing solo in public, I’m in fact a classically trained soprano.
That’s not to say I’m particularly good BTW, but I’m not outrageously bad either.
And yet back when I was first training for my exams as a teen, I hardly told a soul what I was doing, because if I did, they might actually ask me to sing for them.
And the fear of having my talent judged for something I did simply because I loved it, would totally and utterly ruin it for me.
But that’s just fine, because quite frankly the world is none the poorer for missing out on my musical stylings, trust me.
But what if say, Adele, felt like me?
Or Beyonce?
Or Mariah Carey?
What if they were so scared of someone saying, “Sorry love, I prefer a bit of Bowie.” that they only sang for their besties, or in the shower?
Now that would be a classic case of fear stealing your destiny, wouldn’t it?
The thing is, the female entrepreneurial world is FILLED with experts and prodigies and leaders, who only let themselves sing in the proverbial shower.
Because here’s the truth: bushels (the light-hiding kind) come in many different forms: faceless brands, soul-less content, layers of corporate speak, self-doubt, imposter syndrome, years and years of procrastination and lingering in the shadows, that famous phrase “one day…”
But imagine Elizabeth Gilbert decided she wouldn’t publish that book she’d been yearning to write, and Eat, Pray, Love never happened?
Or if Jenna Kutcher only ever talked about that podcast she wanted to start: “Oh well, it’s not like it would have been life-changing or anything,” she’d say.
Or Marie Forleo she was far too shy to get on video…?
If this was the case, they’d all still probably be floating around in the online space, relatively unknown, growing their expert status one client at a time.
So just in case this is touching a nerve with you, here’s a gentle nudge from me to you…
If you have a gift…
A bigger message to share…
A different way of seeing things…
And a yearning to share it from a bigger stage…
Right now is the right time to stop being the world’s best-kept secret.
Write the book. Start the podcast. Show up unapologetically and wholly you.
Because my friend… You’re ready.
Cate Butler Ross is a writer and story coach for purpose-driven female entrepreneurs and leaders.