Is Success Really What You Want?

Why Being Seen Can Feel So Uncomfortable (Even When You Crave It)

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Now, let’s get real...

The Truth About Being Seen

You want to succeed. To be recognized. To build something that matters.

And yet, every time you hit Post, open your mouth in a meeting, or upload that project—it hits you:
Visibility is scary.

Because to be visible is to be vulnerable.

You’re putting your voice—and your soul—out there. And with that comes judgment, comparison, even rejection. Maybe you've been told you’re “too much,” never quiet enough. Maybe you feel exposed before you're ready, or worse, afraid of being discovered as a fraud.

If visibility has ever felt like a risk—well, maybe it is. But growth rarely happens in hiding.

What's Really Behind the Fear

Visibility isn’t just showing up—it’s saying, “This is me.”
And that can feel dangerous.

  • What if people don’t like what they see?

  • What if your success breaks old patterns or expectations?

  • What if you change, and so do your relationships?

Those fears are real. But ask yourself:
What’s worse—being hidden, or being ignored?

What’s scarier—staying safe, or staying silent?

You Can Want Success AND Feel Terrified

Let’s drop the guilt:

Feeling afraid doesn’t mean you're not ready.
It means you care.

Still, you have things to say. Ideas to share. Stories that matter. So what does showing up anyway look like?

1. 🎯 Practice visibility in small doses

Post that picture—even if it’s just a selfie. Speak up in class. Accept that Zoom intro. Courage grows one moment at a time.

2. 🧠 Separate your work from your worth

Your ideas can get critiqued. That doesn’t mean you are being judged. Feedback is about the work, not the creator.

3. 🛡 Anchor yourself off-screen

Build a life that isn’t driven by validation—go for walks, journal, call a friend. Let offline moments remind you: YOU are more than your algorithm.

4. 🔄 Create before you consume

Prioritize making over scrolling. Create first, then if you need to, look at what others do—but don’t let it silence your voice.

5. 🚫 Accept you won't be for everyone

Not everyone will click with your vibe—and that’s okay. You’re not here to be invisible or palatable. You’re here to be you.

Visibility Isn’t Vanity—It’s Impact

Showing up isn’t about clout.
It’s about creating impact.

When you let yourself be seen—voice shakes, messy edges and all—you give others permission to do the same. Consider this:

✅ Your story might spark someone else’s courage.
✅ Your voice might shine light in a place of silence.
✅ Your presence could make someone feel less alone.

Even if your follower count doesn’t skyrocket—you still mattered. Someone saw you. Which means it was worth it.

So even if your hands shake or your heart pounds—keep showing up.
Because it's not about being fearless.
It's about being seen anyway.

Stay Fearless or Die Trying,
 💌 Alexa Curtis

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