Hey Reader, here’s something many people won’t say out loud. It’s not failure they’re afraid of. It’s success. That thought in and of itself seems crazy, like of course I want to have success in my life Emma, I'm not afraid to succeed!

I get it, I have thought that many times, but when I've dug deeper, I realised that yes, often I've been more afraid of what will happen if I really give life my all and succeed as I dream too. It's a weird realisation to come to, that perhaps you are afraid of your own success. (because with that comes other people's feedback, liking and disliking you - putting yourself out there can feel scary!)

So today, I invite you to try this little exercise. Grab a pen and paper and answer these 4 questions, honestly.

Thinking about a goal are trying to acheive.

1. What changes if I actually follow through?
2. Who do I become if I stop playing small?
3. What will people expect from me then?
4. What will it really cost me to keep playing small?

For the fourth question, really dig deep. You want to try and feel the cost of staying the same and playing small. What example will you be to your children? What will your money look like? How will you feel if you cannot afford the holiday/present/experience your child is wishing for? Go deep and feel it as fully as you can.

In doing so, you can leverage that feeling to support you to take action towards your goals and dream life.

Staying stuck can feel safer than stepping forward. But safety isn’t the same as satisfaction and avoidance is still a choice. This season is asking for courage, not perfection!

You've already done the most courageous thing, you've brought life into the world. In comparison this is small change!

Reader, be honest with yourself.

What's the real cost of playing small?

Hit reply and tell me what came up for you. I read every single response and I promise, you're not alone in this.

With love,
💛 Emma