Take The Leap: Dare To Color Outside The Lines

Introduction:

Have you ever felt caught between fitting in and standing out? These invisible lines, often self-imposed, quietly suppress your authentic self—and with it, your joy. Take a moment to reflect on the stories you tell yourself. Are they creating a prison of limitations?

 I know this because I’ve been there. For years, I dimmed my light, trapping myself in a prison of my own making. It wasn’t easy to recognize at the time, but through soul-searching and a journey of self-awareness, I came to understand how much of my authenticity and freedom I sacrificed.

 It’s no wonder we’re facing a burnout epidemic and widespread dissatisfaction in the workplace. Suppressing the free expression of who we are—our ideas, creativity, and values—leaves us feeling disconnected, undervalued, and drained. When our professional roles are out of alignment with our true selves, the toll on our well-being is immense.

 When we constantly color within the lines—whether to avoid judgment, conform to norms, or chase perfection—we feel exhausted and unfulfilled, allowing our vibrant parts to fade. But have you noticed that on those rare occasions when you dare to express yourself boldly, there’s a sense of lightness, a freedom that energizes you?

 Blending In vs. Standing Out

Blending in might feel safe, but it also makes you forgettable—and no one wants that. Think about those colleagues who seem to navigate their careers with ease, landing the plum assignments. They’re not strictly following the rule book. They’ve mastered the art of intentional and strategic authenticity—and you can too.

 If you’re still hesitant about showing up as your true self at work, take a step back and consider the bigger picture—the trends shaping the world around us. The stories we see in the news often highlight how those who cling too tightly to norms, protocols or remain overly cautious about traditions risk being left behind. In some cases, it hurts deeply to be a witness to that. The world is shifting, and it increasingly rewards those who dare to innovate, think differently, and embrace change with courage and authenticity.

 Why We Dim Our Light

Many of us hold back because of fear—fear of judgment, rejection, or stepping out of line. This dimming of our light often comes from:

• Fear of Judgment: Worrying about being criticized or seen as arrogant.
• Need to Fit In: Believing that blending in is the safest route.
• Impostor Syndrome: Doubting your worth and avoiding the spotlight.
• Cultural Conditioning: Internalizing messages like “don’t brag,” which keep us small.
• Overvaluing Harmony: Staying quiet to avoid conflict, even at our own expense.

Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward breaking free and shining your light unapologetically.

Making Your Mark: Beyond the Lines

Coloring outside the lines doesn’t mean abandoning structure, nor does it mean becoming a pompous blowhard. Instead, it’s about finding your confidence zone—a space between strong egoic tendencies and perpetual self-doubt.

 At work, these “lines” might take the form of unspoken rules about when and how to communicate your ideas. Strategic tongue-holding can be valuable, and certain situations demand it. But sometimes, these lines are internally drawn by self-doubt, outdated workplace norms, or even cultural expectations, such as the overemphasis on deference to authority in some traditions compared to more flexible Western hierarchies.

 Recognizing when the lines are helpful and when they’re holding you back is key to moving forward. Your most memorable contributions will come when you stretch just beyond those boundaries—offering fresh ideas, challenging the status quo, and bringing your unique voice to the table.

 Confidence and Courage in Action

Know this: It may not always work, but you’ll grow stronger by testing boundaries, one small step at a time. As Christina Grimmie said, “Confidence is not ‘they will like me.’ Confidence is ‘I’ll be fine if they don’t.’”

 Here’s how you can start:

• Share a bold idea in a meeting.
• Offer a fresh take on a project, even if it’s unconventional.
• Let your personality shine in how you communicate. Ignore concerns about your accent.
• Ask thoughtful questions that guide the room in new directions.

Each small act builds your confidence and shows the power of authenticity. Over time, you’ll not only grow yourself but also inspire others to embrace their true selves. A happier workplace is a WIN-WIN for you and your organization.

Courage: The Catalyst for Authenticity

As Maya Angelou famously said, “Courage is the most important of all the virtues because, without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.” Courage is what allows you to embrace authenticity when conformity feels easier.

 Courage gives you the strength to speak your truth, share your unique perspective, and challenge outdated norms—all while staying grounded in respect and purpose. It doesn’t erase fear; it transforms it into meaningful action. Each act of bravery builds a more authentic, impactful you, inspiring those around you to do the same.

 Shine Without Dimming Others

When you embrace your strengths and share your accomplishments with humility and pride, you permit others to do the same.

 Stepping into authenticity doesn’t require a dramatic overhaul.

Start small:

• Speak up in meetings, even if your voice shakes a little.
• Celebrate your achievements without downplaying them.
• Advocate for change when outdated practices hold you back.

Every time you step outside the lines, you reclaim your voice and create a ripple effect of authenticity and courage in your workplace. Burnout will no longer be a part of your vocabulary.

Take the Leap

The world—and your workplace—needs people willing to color outside the lines. Not for the sake of rebellion, but to bring authenticity, creativity, and growth into every room they enter. Take the leap. Permit yourself to be you and welcome joy and freedom back into your life. Grab your brush and start coloring a little outside the lines.

 Ready to express yourself at work and be all that you can be?

Take the leap and never look back with my Career Advancement Coaching/Mentorship program. Get four personalized one-on-one coaching sessions plus a full year of access to my Friday Group Coaching for ongoing support and lifetime access to my career advancement resource library.

Explore the unbeatable pricing and more on my Coaching Page or DM me.

Warm regards,

Vidya Raman

Keynote Speaker, Coach, Author, and Former Corporate Leader

 📧 Email: vidya@vidyaraman.com for speaking and coaching inquiries.