Ep #249 - Saying the Hard Thing
When Fear Keeps You Silent: The Cost of Not Saying the Hard Thing
You know that knot in your stomach when you have a burning question but you're terrified to ask it? Or when you desperately need to address something with your boss, but the thought of confrontation makes you want to hide under your desk?
We've all been there, sitting in meetings wondering what "ARs" means for months, or watching a colleague take credit for our work while we stay silent. The fear of looking stupid, being judged, or facing someone's anger keeps us trapped in cycles of overthinking, venting to friends, and slowly burning out from the mental energy drain.
This episode tackles the hidden cost of avoiding difficult conversations and the liberating power of speaking up. Through raw personal stories, from finally asking what those mysterious work acronyms meant to confronting a micromanaging boss, you'll discover why the anticipation is almost always worse than the reality.
The truth? Most "stupid" questions get helpful answers. Most difficult conversations lead to positive change. And the worst-case scenarios we create in our heads rarely happen. When they do, having a plan makes all the difference.
This isn't about becoming confrontational or impulsive. It's about valuing your own emotional needs enough to address them thoughtfully and courageously. When you consistently speak up for yourself, you model authenticity for others and create the foundation for honest, respectful relationships—both at work and in life.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
- Why avoiding difficult conversations drains your energy and keeps you stuck in drama loops
- The simple framework for facing your fears and preparing for worst-case scenarios
- How to plan and deliver hard conversations without being confrontational or impulsive
- The unexpected benefits of asking "stupid" questions and speaking up authentically
- Why having your own back is the key to confident communication in any situation
Ready to stop spinning and start speaking up? Take the Value Vision Quiz to discover where you might be undervaluing yourself - link here.
