Have you ever been given this advice, “Stop playing small. If you want people to notice you, you gotta show up big”?

If you have a business where you’re trying to grow your income and impact then I’m not surprised. It’s a common piece of advice from many coaches, consultants, and other influencers.

Do you think showing up big means..

• Going LIVE on Instagram, FB, or LinkedIn on a consistent basis.
• Posting frequently or creating some form of content regularly to stay “top of mind” to your growing audience of followers.
• Getting featured in the media, whether locally or nationally as a “subject matter expert”.
• Hosting a podcast, YouTube channel, or some other type of reputable way to bring attention to your brand.
• Writing a book so you have a framework that people talk about and attribute to you – you’re now a thought leader.

Everything on this list is amazing and has been proven to work for so many business owners, but just one item on this list is enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed and exhausted, let alone trying to do all of them. No wonder you’re close to burn out. I’m exhausted for you!

According to the book Playing Big by Tara Mohr, which I read almost 10 years ago, it does NOT mean more money, more prestige, a bigger title or more fame. To play big means “living with a greater sense of freedom to express your voice and pursuing your aspirations. There are no shoulds or shouldn’ts, but turning away from narrow labels and refocusing your efforts on your hopes and dreams and playing big in going for them”.

5 things you can do to stay focused so you can continue to play big are:

1. Redefine how you measure success. Rather than getting tangled in the pursuit of more money, prestige, or fame, shift your focus towards personal fulfillment and the genuine expression of your voice. Playing big, as Tara Mohr emphasizes, is about living with a greater sense of freedom, unburdened by societal expectations and narrow definitions of success.

2. Embrace authenticity in your journey. Share your story, vulnerabilities, and triumphs in a way that resonates with your audience. Authenticity fosters genuine connections, attracting people who value you for who you truly are. Letting people know that from time to time you need to step away from social for your own peace of mind is not only relatable, it’s healthy.

3. Consider the impact you want to make and focus on ONE strategy at a time. Playing big involves pursuing your aspirations with a purpose beyond financial gain. What’s ONE change you want to bring to the world at this time? By staying focused on doing ONE strategy at a time you will likely make the impact you wish to have. Plus you’ll find intrinsic fulfillment goes beyond the external validation of being seen as a high achiever or executor.

4. Celebrate progress over perfection. Perfectionism is exhausting! But in the journey towards fulfilling my dreams, I’ve learned that making progress toward my dreams is so much more important. Instead of fixating on an idealized version of success, it’s important to celebrate your small victories and the lessons learned. This mindset shift allows you to stay motivated and resilient in the face of obstacles.

5. Cultivate a supportive community. Surround yourself with individuals who uplift and inspire you. No one does this alone. Being a part of a community that understands the essence of playing big, not just in terms of external achievements, but as a holistic approach to life. Getting featured on someone else’s podcast so you can leverage their community can also lead to significant brand awareness and growth.

Remember, playing big is a dynamic and evolving process. It’s not a one-size-fits-all prescription but a personalized journey that aligns with your values and aspirations. By focusing on your voice, authenticity, purpose, progress, and community, you’re not just playing big for the world to see; you’re living a life that reflects the true essence of what you desire and aspire to achieve. So, step into the arena and play big on your own terms.

I’d love to know what you think. Have you redefined what it means to play big for yourself? What does that look like now so you can prevent burning out?