Part 1. The Truth
Breaking Free from Comparison & Finding Your Own Voice
Hello, quiet leaders and thoughtful speakers,
Have you ever caught yourself comparing your voice to those who seem louder, more outgoing, or effortlessly commanding? It’s easy to believe that if you were "more like them," you’d be a better speaker, leader, or professional.
But here’s the truth: comparison is a trap.
Why Comparison Holds You Back
Research shows that excessive comparison lowers self-esteem, increases anxiety, and leads to self-doubt. A study from the University of Essex found that upward social comparison (comparing ourselves to those we think are better) activates areas of the brain linked to self-criticism, reducing motivation and confidence.
For introverts, comparing ourselves to extroverts is especially damaging because it reinforces the false idea that we need to be louder to be heard.
But here’s the reality: your power comes from your authenticity—not from mimicking others.
Part 2. The Practice
Watch for This Sign: The “Glued Shut” Feeling
Have you ever been in a room full of big personalities and suddenly felt like your mouth was glued shut?
That’s a sign your nervous system is overwhelmed. It’s not that you have nothing to say—it’s that your body is in freeze mode.
When this happens, try this simple but effective breathing technique to reset:
Grounding Breath Technique (A Quick Reset for Overwhelming Moments)
Breathe in deeply through your nose for 4 seconds.
Hold the breath for 2 seconds.
Exhale slowly through your mouth for 6 seconds. As you exhale, imagine your voice gently opening up.
Repeat 3 times.
This activates your parasympathetic nervous system, shifting you out of freeze mode and back into a state where you can think, speak, and engage with ease.
Notice how you feel & consciously name the difference. For example:
My shoulders drop
My heartbeat slows down
My neck feels longer
I can breathe deeper
This is a place of power and this is the place you want to start from when you have something important to say. Allow that sensation to linger in your body just a while longer.
Part 3. The Poem
Empowerment by Linnea George
listening to my Soul's desire to be free i look at the measuring stick i hold myself to: the White Men in my life this does not align with my true nature if White Men are not the right i align myself with then i better fucking step up practice a type of spiritual integrity i never before embodied responsible sober no more bullshitting myself empowerment is first and foremost a right relationship with the Self
Mark your Calendars. Our Next Community Call is Sunday June 29th From Freeze to Flow: Mastering Your Nervous System Response . Paid Subscribers will receive a Zoom Link!
Berlin 6:00 PM (CEST)
California (PDT) 9:00 AM
New York (EDT) 12:00 PM
London (BST) 5:00 PM
Part 4. Your Turn to Speak
Practice This Technique & Share Your Experience: Try the Grounding Breath Technique before your next challenging conversation or meeting. Then come share in our private subscriber chat:
Where did you use it?
What did you notice in your body?
How did it affect your ability to speak up?
Or share a time when you felt your mouth "glue shut" in a room with big personalities.
Work situation?
Family dinner?
Meeting?
No judgment - just honest practice expressing these moments.
Not ready to share yet?Read what others post. Sometimes seeing someone else's courage gives us permission for our own.
Ready to practice with support?
Join our community of quiet leaders who are learning to speak with authentic confidence. What you get:
Private chat to practice sharing and get encouraging feedback
Monthly live community calls
Support from other introverts who truly understand your journey
Summer Special:
Refer two friends by August 1st and get your entire first year for €30 instead of €60. Your Friends can use the 50% offer code too!!! This offer is my way of saying thank you for believing in this vision from day one.
That's €30 for an entire year of premium content and community access.
See you in the Chat!
Linnea George
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