Standing on business: owning your voice in every room
In today's social media era, we have easy access to young people around the world living out their dreams. From influencers to young business owners, someone has the keys to their dream house, their dream car, luxury holidays, destination weddings, you name it. This can motivate us to seek more and see what’s possible, but it can also make us feel like we’re never doing enough. According to social media, having more = being happier. Which isn’t always the case, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t still dream big and strive for more, because wanting more for yourself is still valid and playing small never changed the world.
But what happens when you live in an environment where wanting more is judged? When people tell you, "Who are you kidding?" How do you stand on business and stick to your dreams when playing small is the norm and big dreams are not encouraged?
Are you shrinking to fit your environment? Are you standing on your business, no matter where you are?
For people who haven’t grown up in an environment that teaches them they can achieve anything they set their minds to, it’s easy to develop a crab mentality. Anyone who tries to do something outside the norm or gets too close to breaking the boundaries society sets for them is often dragged down, told to stop dreaming, or simply not taken seriously.
This can show up in many ways, such as:
Lack of support or encouragement
They stay silent when you share your ideas or downplay your wins.
They avoid giving you the affirmation or motivation you need to keep going.
"That’s ambitious... but don’t get your hopes up."Jealousy or competition
They feel threatened by your growth and may try to subtly undermine your confidence.
They may criticise or gossip when you start levelling up.Undermining you and your achievement
Acting like your dreams are "cute hobbies" instead of serious pursuits.
Jokes or sarcasm that chip away at your confidence over time.
Encouraging you to settle.
Pushing you toward the "safe" or "traditional" path, even if it doesn’t align with your dreams.
Often, these things don’t come from people wanting to hurt you or hold you back; many of them probably love you dearly. But it’s surprising how much we project our own limiting beliefs onto others. People may discourage you because they’re scared of taking risks themselves, or they don’t believe they deserve the success you’re chasing, so they project that onto you. While the environment can play a large role, we can’t forget to acknowledge the systemic element of this, too. When institutions, media, or even our schools don’t reflect back our dreams as valid, it’s no wonder we second-guess ourselves and struggle to take the road less travelled.
Environments like this can feel toxic and get to you quickly. But that’s where the test comes in. How strong are your internal beliefs? You have to build up your sense of self, your belief systems, and… stand on business.
It’s not always easy. After all, we’re only human, often products of our environment. But for those of us with big dreams who are willing to confront those limitations, there are ways to combat the negativity and keep yourself motivated, such as:
Get specific with your goal
The more detail you give your dreams, the more real they become.
Want to move to New York City? What does your apartment look like? What does a day in your life there feel like? Write it out, or better yet, create a vision board.
Make consistent steps toward your goals
It’s hard to deny your commitment to your goals when you’re actively pursuing them.
Not only does this move you closer to your dreams, but it also rewires your brain to see you’re serious.
Keep track and celebrate your wins
Confirmation bias shows us that we tend to find evidence for what we already believe. So if you believe you can succeed, you’re more likely to notice opportunities and experiences that reinforce that belief and make success more likely.
To strengthen this, recognise and celebrate your wins. Even if you can’t share them with those around you, keep a gratitude journal or take yourself on a solo celebration date.
All these tips have one thing in common: showing up for yourself, without waiting for anyone else to do it.
No one is going to believe in your dream for you. We've heard it time and again from industry leaders that the only person who believed in their dream at the start was them. Many of us stay around people who share the same beliefs because it feels safe. It doesn't push us to grow or challenge ourselves.
Sometimes you have to be the person to question and challenge the status quo before anyone else does.
Why not speak up and be the change maker?
How to stand on business in every room
Know what you stand for
Define your values, goals, and vision. Even when others can’t see it, you can hold firm.Own your voice, even when it shakes
Speak up in rooms where no one else is.
Understand that discomfort is part of leadership.Find your expanders, not just your comforters
Seek people and spaces that stretch you, challenge your thinking, and support your growth.Stop apologising for wanting more
Reject narratives that tell you ambition is too much.
Remind yourself that success and joy are not things you have to earn by suffering first.Lead by example
Sometimes the room needs someone to show what’s possible.
You might be the first, but you won’t be the last.
At times, it’s easy to get sucked into thinking small and minimising your dreams. Before you know it, you’ve settled for less than you know you’re worth. It’s never too late to reflect and make a U-turn. Where are you playing small because the room feels small?
As the saying goes, if you stand for nothing, you’ll fall for everything. So why not take a chance and stand for yourself? You never know who’s watching, waiting for permission to do the same, and your courage might just be the spark they need.
Take up space. Speak your truth. Stand on business.
