Overcoming the Fear of Being Too Big or Disruptive
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Have you ever stared at your computer screen and felt that overwhelming sense of HOLY MOLY THIS IS BIG?
The concept of a "big idea" often sparks a mix of excitement and trepidation. In my conversations within the Social Impact Roundtable and on social media, I’ve heard countless women express concern that their ideas are “too big” or “too disruptive”.
I get it. We’ve been conditioned to keep our voices small, contain our ideas, or couch them in more “palatable” ways, but for those dedicated to social change, the journey to becoming recognized thought leaders hinges on your ability to refine and articulate a single, impactful idea.
In today’s blog, I want to dig into these concerns and explore why embracing a bold, original, loud, and tenacious (BOLT™️) idea is crucial for creating lasting impact and your long term legacy.
The Myth of "Too Big" Ideas
One of the most common fears among successful entrepreneurs is that their ideas - and by extension, they - may be perceived as too ambitious or unrealistic. The thought of proposing something radical can be intimidating, especially when it challenges the status quo. That fear often leads us to hold back on sharing ideas that could truly revolutionize their industries or the world at large.
History, however, has given us powerful examples of what happens when we embrace ideas that may seem impossible or overly ambitious at first. Consider Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, who revolutionized the undergarment industry with her innovative shapewear. Blakely's idea was initially met with skepticism. In fact, she pitched her idea something like 15 times before she got positive feedback. It was her persistence and vision that turned Spanx into a global brand, making her one of the youngest self-made female billionaires. The same can be said for Whitney Wolfe Herd, founder of Bumble. She challenged the norms of the online dating industry by creating a platform where women make the first move. Her bold idea has been instrumental in transforming the dating landscape and empowering millions of women worldwide.
So, what do we do when the fear of having “too big” of an idea persists? The key for my clients has been understanding that "big" doesn't necessarily mean unattainable. A big idea can be broken down into actionable steps, making it more manageable, and by extension, more achievable. The fear of being too big often stems from a misconception of what it means to be bold and visionary. It's not about perfection or instant success or going it alone; it's about having the courage to start and the tenacity to continue, even when you keep running into brick walls.
Why Disruption is Good!
I’ve spent time in a lot of places where women were expected to keep their ideas to themselves, to be seen and not heard. Most of us have been conditioned to let men take the lead or become contortionists so that we don’t take up too much space, so it’s not surprising that many of us fear sticking our necks above the rest.
Disruption can be uncomfortable - and in some cases, downright scary - not only for the entrepreneur but also for the industry and society. It's natural to worry about resistance or backlash when proposing ideas that challenge established norms. But, disruption is not inherently negative. In fact, many of the most successful companies and leaders have achieved greatness precisely because they dared to disrupt the norm.
Jessica Alba, and her company, The Honest Company are a great example of this! Alba entered a very crowded consumer goods market with a focus on non-toxic, eco-friendly products, disrupting an industry dominated by traditional, chemical-laden options. Her commitment to transparency and quality resonated with consumers, leading to significant growth and raising awareness about the importance of safe household products. Similarly, Tory Burch launched her fashion brand with a mission to make luxury fashion more accessible. Her classic, chic designs, combined with a philanthropic focus through the Tory Burch Foundation, have disrupted the fashion industry by championing female entrepreneurship.
Disruption can be a catalyst for innovation and progress. It pushes boundaries, opens the door to new conversations, and encourages different ways of thinking. For female entrepreneurs aiming to create social change, disruption is almost certainly going to be a necessary component of your mission. By challenging outdated systems and introducing new paradigms, you can create a more inclusive and equitable world.
Balancing Boldness with Practicality
While it's essential to embrace bold and disruptive ideas, it's equally important to balance them with a healthy dose of practicality. Having a big, audacious, and bold idea is awesome, but it’s sort of useless with an actual plan. I work with my clients to develop a strategic roadmap that outlines the steps needed to achieve their goals. This includes refining and articulating their big idea across all facets of their business, from mission statements to client interactions.
If you’re thinking… In what time?! I feel you. Like most of us, you’re probably already juggling multiple responsibilities, which means we have to be intentional and find the time and focus to develop a cohesive strategy. This is where partnering with a coach or consultant who understands the intricacies of big ideas, thought leadership, and social impact can be invaluable. Together, you can break down your big idea into manageable components, create a content strategy, and identify the right platforms to amplify your message. This approach not only ensures alignment and consistency but also helps in attracting the right clients and potential partners who share your vision.
The Importance of Authenticity and Confidence
Lastly, I’d be remiss if I didn’t address one of the biggest fears about having a big, disruptive idea: the concern about authenticity and confidence. Many women, especially visionaries, struggle with the notion of imposter syndrome, doubting their expertise or feeling that they don't have the right to propose such significant changes. You’re not alone, but when you’re committed to the vision, when you believe deeply in its importance, you have to do the work to recognize that your unique perspective and experiences are valuable and essential to the cause.
If you hear me say nothing else, hear this: You are the right person to deliver your message, and your voice matters.
Confidence in your idea doesn't mean you have all the answers. It's about believing in the value of your vision and being willing, as uncomfortable as it may be, to share it with others. Authenticity plays a critical role in this process. When you communicate your big idea from a place of genuine passion and purpose, it resonates more deeply with your audience. Authenticity builds trust, and trust is the foundation of any successful thought leader.
Embracing Your BOLT™️ Idea
Having a big, disruptive idea isn’t something you have to fear—it's something you get to embrace. For high-achieving, professional female entrepreneurs dedicated to social change, a bold, original, loud, and tenacious (BOLT™️) idea is the cornerstone of your impact. By overcoming the myths of "too big" ideas, valuing disruption, balancing boldness with practicality, and embracing authenticity and confidence, you can turn your big idea into a powerful force for change.
So, dare to think big, challenge the status quo, and lead the conversation in your industry. Your big idea deserves to be seen and heard! Here’s to making an impact!
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