Playing Big

To play big, we need to evaluate which authority figures to seek out and cultivate as allies and which to move away from or simply ignore.

“That’s because American women are liberated but not empowered.”

the critic first attacks you with critical thoughts, and then shames you for having those thoughts. That is its one-two punch.

unconsciously using the hiding strategy of overcomplicating—adding element after element to her creation so that she never had to finish and put her work out into the world. Usually when we’re using this strategy, we’re convinced all the complications and additions are essential.

As our fears expand to include a wide set of loosely associated things, we hold ourselves back from playing bigger.

Self-expression and service become the sundaes, and praise is just a lovely cherry on top.

take up our small piece of the transition team’s work, sharing our ideas, our voices, our callings in a way that is authentic to us. By so doing, we’ll create a more balanced, sane culture, one reflective of both men’s and women’s voices.

Doing the guided visualization will allow you to go beyond your intellectual ideas or conscious hopes for what the future “you” looks like to that miraculous and unfailing inner voice. Two good criteria to use are these: (1) If you aren’t genuinely moved by the image and presence of the inner mentor you see in your mind’s eye, and (2) if she does n

trust that there is always a good and real reason for our inaction.