💬 "I Know This Might Sound Silly, But..."

A QUICK TIP TO STRENGTHEN YOUR SELF-BELIEF

When you’re caught in self-doubt or overthinking a situation, ask yourself: “What advice would I give my closest friend in this moment?”

🧠 Why it works: Distance gives clarity—we’re usually kinder to others than ourselves.

👉 Use it: when you're being hard on yourself.

🔍 DEEP DIVE

💬 “I Know This Might Sound Silly, But…”

You’ve got something important to contribute.

It’s thoughtful. Well-informed. Valuable.

But before you speak, you hear yourself say:

• “This might sound silly, but…”

• “Sorry, just a quick thought…”

• “I might be completely off here…”

• “Not sure this is relevant, but…”

The words haven’t even landed, and you’ve already softened them.

Not because you’re unsure.

But because you’re trying to protect yourself from being judged or dismissed.

It’s a habit that says, “Let me lower the impact, just in case.”

💡 What’s Really Going On

These phrases might sound like politeness, but underneath, they’re something else: protection.

A way to say, “I’ll make myself small before you can.”

Or, “I’ll lower expectations before I speak.”

If you’ve been trained — consciously or not — to be agreeable, humble, and likeable, this pattern is second nature.

Especially in rooms where you’re already used to being underestimated or interrupted.

But when you dilute your voice, you make people work harder to trust it.

Even when your idea is strong, the way you introduce it shapes how it’s received.

And over time, you may start doubting the idea itself, not because it’s weak, but because you keep presenting it like it is.

🛠 A Reset for When You Play Yourself Down

The good news?

This is a language habit. Which means it can be changed.

You don’t need to become someone louder, tougher or more dominant.

You just need to start speaking from a place of clarity, not protection.

Here’s how:

🔹 1. Spot the Softener

Start by noticing the phrases you use to dilute your voice:

• “Just a quick thought…”

• “I’m not sure this makes sense…”

• “This might be silly, but…”

• “I’m probably wrong, but…”

These subtly signal: “Don’t take this too seriously.”

🔹 2. Swap It for Strength

Try one of these instead:

• “Here’s what I’m seeing…”

• “One perspective I’d love to add…”

• “Let me offer a thought here…”

• “To build on that…”

Still warm. Still collaborative. But rooted in calm confidence.

And if the idea does get challenged? Let it.

You’ve offered it with clarity, not caveats.

🔹 3. Anchor the Thought

Before you speak, try this quick question:

“If I trusted this idea completely, how would I say it?”

Then speak from that voice — even if it feels unfamiliar.

🎯 This Week’s Challenge

Choose one moment — a meeting, a 1:1, a conversation.

Drop the softener. Say the thing.

Let your words land without the disclaimer.

You don’t need to justify or apologise.

You just need to lead with the voice that already knows.