Are You Playing It Small? How to Recognize and Break Free from Your Comfort Zone

When I realized I was playing it small, I felt bad that I had belittled myself for a long time.

On the outside, I looked like I was doing “okay.” I was busy, responsible, and everyone thought I had it together.

But deep inside… I knew I was shrinking.

I avoided opportunities.
I waited to be “ready.”
I settled for less — not because I couldn’t do more, but because I was scared I didn't know enough or have any value like that.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Many ambitious African women are walking around under-living their potential.
Not because they lack talent or dreams — but because they’ve grown comfortable in the smallness they were never meant to stay in.

So today, I want to help you recognize the signs that you’re playing it small…
And inspire you to break free.

🚩 Signs You’re Playing It Small

1. You wait for permission to shine.

You have ideas, goals, even brilliance — but you keep waiting for someone to approve you, notice you, or “choose” you.
Real talk: You don’t need permission to be powerful.

2. You constantly second-guess yourself.

You know what you want, but every decision is a battle. “Should I post this?” “Am I good enough?” “What will people say?”
When self-doubt runs the show, your light stays dim.

3. You stay busy with safe things, not bold things.

You're active, but not impactful. You keep yourself “occupied” to avoid doing the work that really scares you — like starting the business, writing the book, pitching the idea, or owning your voice.

4. You downplay your wins.

You achieve something big… and immediately say, “It’s nothing.” You avoid the spotlight, even though you earned it. Sis, your greatness is not a secret to be hidden.

5. You silence yourself to stay liked.

You don’t speak up, don’t challenge norms, don’t set boundaries — because being “too ambitious” might make people uncomfortable. But what about your own comfort?

💥 Why We Play It Small (Especially as African Women)

• Cultural conditioning to be “humble” and not “too loud”

• Fear of being misunderstood, judged, or called names

• Lack of role models who show us it's safe to thrive

• Trauma, rejection, or failure from the past

• Guilt for wanting more than others around us

But none of these are good enough reasons to dim your light.

🔓 How to Break Free from Your Comfort Zone

1. Tell yourself the truth.

Admit it — you're capable of more.
And more importantly, you deserve more.

2. Take one uncomfortable step.

Growth begins at the edge of discomfort. That thing you’ve been avoiding? Do it afraid. Apply, launch, speak, post, show up.

3. Surround yourself with powerful energy.

Find women who are not afraid to be seen. Listen to them. Watch how they move. Let their courage wake yours up.

4. Celebrate your wins — out loud.

You teach others how to treat you. When you celebrate yourself, you give other women permission to do the same.

5. Ask yourself: “What would the bold version of me do today?”

Then… do that.

💫 The World Needs Your Full Self

There’s a version of you that’s not scared.
She’s not shrinking. She’s not stuck. She’s not small.

She’s ready.

Maybe she’s not loud, maybe she’s not perfect, but she’s powerful — and she's waiting for you to step up and become her.

So ask yourself:
Are you playing it small because it’s safe…
Or are you finally ready to play it bold — and win?