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Speaking my mind doesn’t come easy to me. I’m an engineer by training and an introvert, so I prefer to analyze and sometimes overanalyze ideas before I share them with the world. Although I still find myself holding back on occasion, I’ve made a concerted effort to speak up in meetings, with colleagues, with friends, really any time that I have a thought or idea that may provide value. In my experience with coworkers, managers, entrepreneurs, etc. I’ve learned that articulating your ideas and courageously sharing them with the world is a key component of success in most facets of life.
Do the Work to Add Value
Your thoughts and ideas still need to be well thought out and defendable, but if you never speak up, it fades into nonexistence and serves no purpose for anyone. By not speaking up, you are denying the world a glimpse into your greatness. You’re denying the world a potential contribution. You’re denying yourself the opportunity to get better at creating ideas and the confidence that comes from presenting an idea and having it accepted or even lauded.
It’s Not Better to Be Thought a Fool
There’s a saying that goes, “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt.” that is attributed to Abraham Lincoln. While timeless wisdom from Mr. Lincoln is always appreciated, I disagree. Sure, the risk is lower if you never speak up, but you’ll never realize the potential benefit from having a great thought or idea and you’ll never grow as a human being. In my opinion, it’s much better to ask questions and present foolhardy thoughts and ideas earlier in life so that you can garner feedback, learn, and grow faster.
Don’t Let Fear Hold You Back
I know some people have the fear that their idea will be considered useless or even stupid. The thought or idea is scary because, if not accepted, it may hurt their feelings and wound their ego. Looking at this objectively, if this is the worst that can happen, why not give it a shot? If the idea is dismissed or denigrated, it’s simply an opportunity to improve and learn from the encounter. Personally, I think the benefits outweigh the risk in this case.
This obviously doesn’t apply to folks who have serious medical conditions related to anxiety and social fears, or for folks that live in societies with more severe punishment for speaking your mind on certain subjects, but for the rest of us, I would encourage you to act courageously. Don’t let the risk of failure or a damaged ego hold you back.
Conclusion
While there are risks to speaking your mind, for most of us in the developed world, the benefits outweigh the consequences. The next time you have that urge to hold your tongue when you have what seems like to be a great thought, idea, etc., fight that urge and speak up. I think you’ll be glad you did.