The term “playing small” gets thrown around a lot.
Conceptually, it makes sense - doing less than the highest you’re capable of.
But pinpointing it for yourself is tricky.
I like to say it’s when fear gets wrapped in logic. Your excuses sound reasonable… but they’re really fear in disguise.
As a Human Design Projector-type, I can easily spot this in others. But it’s much harder to see in myself.
Thankfully, I had coffee with someone this week who pointed out not one but two places my logic was really fear in disguise.
First, he asked why I hadn’t pitched myself for some speaking opportunities. I said, “I need to hone the topic I want to talk about.”
He countered: “How will you hone your topic if you aren’t speaking?”
🩹 Ouch.
I’ve dreamed of being on stage since grad school - long before I knew I'd be quitting corporate to start my own business. Yet I took a break from pitching to “coach more women so I'd have something to talk about on stage.”
Logical, right?
He reminded me that speaking is how I hone my craft.
Later, we talked about an offer I was promoting. He said: “That sounds awesome - and worth way more than what you’re charging.”
🩹 Double ouch.
Fear disguised as logic again.
My mind told me charging less would get more sign-ups. But I've been told time with me is more transformative than therapy. He reminded me I need to value it that way.
Plus - the law of energetic exchange means that the more someone invests, the more transformation they receive. So I actually shortcut my clients by undercharging for my work.
It’s funny how obvious things can feel when someone else points them out. And humbling how well I can do this for others, yet go down with my own excuses.
As the saying goes 🧠 "you can't do your own brain surgery."
I’m sitting with that today… and maybe you are too. Where in your life is fear disguised as logic keeping you from stepping fully into your potential?
➡️ If any of this resonates, I’d love to hear from you. Reply and share what’s coming up for you. You might be surprised at the clarity that shows up just by noticing it out loud.
Upcoming Events
👩🏽 Becoming Legendary: It's Who You Are, Not What You Do. This is part of the Legendary Women in Business experience. In this transformative talk, you’ll learn why feeling legendary now is the real secret to building the life, impact, and legacy you crave. We’ll end with a powerful activation exercise to help you embody your legendary self today.
📅 April 16-18, 2026
🕓 12:00-1:00 pm CST
📍 Ingleside Hotel, Pewaukee, WI
✈️ Join me in Columbia! I'm hosting a group women's trip to Columbia in January/February 2027 (with Laura Ericson, the same guide that took me to Cuba). If you want the info when it's released, add your name to the waitlist! This does not commit you to the trip; it just helps me gauge interest before I fully commit.
Recent Media
🎙️ The latest from The Embodied Leader: 51. Leadership Lessons from my Devil's Lake Hike. From a crowded state park to quiet, transformative moments with nature, I discuss the value of perseverance, embracing the mundane, and finding magic in unexpected places. Listen here, on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Other Ways To Go Deeper
If you like this newsletter and would love to dive in further with me, here are a few ways to do that!
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And remember: be kind. rewind.
🤍 Private Coaching. This is my most transformative experience, personalized to you. I help high-achieving female leaders and business owners stop overthinking and start embodying their leadership, so they can lead, speak, and show up with the kind of confidence and magnetism that can’t be taught in a textbook. You can read more on my website, or go straight to booking a no pressure 30 minute Connection Call!
🤍 5 Minute Future Self Meditation. I am having so much with with the women in the Future Self Accelerator, I decided to make their initial meditation available to everyone! In just 5 minutes, you can meet the version of you that's ready to guide you into your future.
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"Andrea was so plugged in to me and my higher self that I always felt safe enough to make big discoveries and big revelations. I wasn't charging enough for my services and she showed me, in many different ways, why that wasn't serving me, and guided me into a self-discovery journey that empowered me to make lasting change with my pricing. This change was made to honor my ancestors and all the sacrifices they made to get me where I am today."
Carrie
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