Are you somebody who sits back and says nothing when something really needs to be said? It could be an idea, a suggestion, an observation, a criticism ... but for some reason you don't want to speak up. Well, I was.
Some people might say like staying silent is the wiser choice – and it does apply to some situations.
But there are a few reasons why despite the risk, standing up is a good choice.
‘You must feel the fear and speak your mind anyway. Then act in spite of fear. Act in spite of anything.
So often people sit back and say nothing when something really needs to be said. Speaking up is an important form of honesty – for yourself’
Think about fear. Why are you frightened? Imagine you feel in your guts that you want to say what you think. Say it, and it will bring you relief and release your emotions.
- If you stay silent it is usually taken as if you would agree. And if you don’t say what you wish, what could be further from the truth – it will later frustrate and create resentment in you.
You may not be alone in your thinking. Others may share your thoughts and opinions, but may be also unwilling or fearful to speak up. By speaking your mind you also encourage them to voice their opinions. If you say something that is considered irrelevant and unimportant then you voiced your opinion anyway: and if this is criticized in the group – it is a sign that the dialogue is not open.
Speaking up demonstrates that you will be truthful not only with other people, but with yourself. And when you practice this – it will flow naturally to speak up as your confidence improves, even if you would be an introvert.
Photo by Ricardo Mancía
Usually not, and when I have kept mum it’s to my own detriment..
How I’ve experienced it: Best to simply be quiet if I don’t have anything to say. But if you wanna speak, then let the world know.
If the group is engaged and passionate about the subject – also possible to ‘think aloud’.
But if it’s tedious meeting of a very uninteresting subject…well, better not to prolong eh 🙂
If I’m not emotionally invested I sometimes ignore the conversation..but, I generally find people interesting and curious creatures and am more interested in who they r than what they have to say…
Ok I understand this approach, as I tend to do the same. Find it is a meaningful and essential to understand the deeper motives of people in general.
I used to be. But then I changed myself. Because it is my responsibility to speak up for me, I cannot expect that from anyone else.
Hi Anannya, thanks for sharing! Well, I also stayed quiet. But I realized that it’s better to say what I think, finally not because I enjoy it more but because it’s better for me. When I say what I think people don’t get mixed messages about my intentions. What I think makes me who I am, and I should not feel ashamed of it.
Great thought, surely I am not always saying the truth, not dare to tell always truth. But I will try definitely. Thanks for sharing this post.
Thanks for stopping by! Truth…it’s a tedious long shot investmen by any measure. But worth it finally.
Look at Guns n’ Roses in the 80’s! They were not fake. And are currently the most succesful band 😉 in the world. Have a look at their ticket sales.