What if showing up for your purpose didn’t feel like exposing yourself—but like inviting others in? Here’s how to reframe ‘putting yourself out there’ into something empowering.
Why “Putting Yourself Out There” Feels So Scary
Let’s be real—when someone tells you to “put yourself out there”, how does that make you feel?
For most of us, it triggers a gut-level reaction of fear, anxiety, or even dread. It feels like you’re being asked to:
- Expose yourself.
- Be vulnerable in front of strangers.
- Open yourself up to judgment, criticism, or failure.
“Put yourself out there.” The phrase itself makes you feel like you’re being thrown onto a stage, under harsh lights, with everyone watching, waiting to see if you’ll succeed… or fail.
It’s no wonder so many people freeze at the idea of sharing their work, their voice, or their gifts with the world.
But what if you didn’t have to “put yourself out there” at all?
What if there was a better way to think about showing up for your dreams—a way that feels powerful, purposeful, and in control?
Let me introduce a new way of thinking…
Stop “Putting Yourself Out There” — Start “Opening Your Doors”
What if instead of “putting yourself out there,” you said:
“I’m opening my doors.”
Let that sink in for a moment. Feel the difference.
- “Putting yourself out there” feels like being exposed.
- “Opening your doors” feels like an invitation.
When you open your doors, you’re in charge. You choose what to offer, how to show up, and who gets to walk through. It’s a conscious act of service, leadership, and generosity.
You’re not “out there” hoping someone will notice you—you’re creating a space where people can connect with you, learn from you, and be impacted by what you offer.
That’s not vulnerability—that’s power.
Would You Feel Scared to Open a Brick-and-Mortar Shop?
Imagine you just opened a brick-and-mortar business—a coffee shop, a bookstore, or a cozy boutique.
Would you say:
“I’m putting myself out there.”
…Or would you say:
“I’m opening my doors for business.”
The second option feels more natural and empowering, right? You’re opening your space, inviting people in, and offering something valuable.
You’re not standing outside begging people to notice you—you’re creating a place where people will naturally want to come because of what you’ve built.
Feel like exploring your true calling and true niche? Join my FREE community at community.truecallingtrueniche.com and download the first six chapters of my book True Calling True Niche.
Reframe How You Show Up: It’s About Choice
When you think of “opening your doors,” a powerful mindset shift happens:
- You’re in Control:
You’re not being “thrown” into the spotlight—you’re deciding when and how you want to show up. - You’re Inviting, Not Exposing:
You’re inviting others into what you’ve created—not exposing yourself to judgment. People can choose to step in or keep walking. - You’re Leading with Purpose:
When you open your doors, you’re offering something—your message, your work, your art, or your service. You’re a leader, not someone begging for approval.
What “Opening Your Doors” Looks Like in Real Life
Let’s break down what this mindset shift could look like in different areas of life or business:
-
You’re a Coach or Creative Entrepreneur:
Old Mindset (Putting Yourself Out There):
“I need to show up on Instagram every day, be vulnerable, and hope people will like me.”
New Mindset (Opening Your Doors):
“I’m opening my doors by sharing content that helps people. I’m inviting them to learn from me, work with me, and transform their lives.”
-
You’re Launching a Passion Project or Business:
Old Mindset (Putting Yourself Out There):
“I’m scared to launch my business because what if no one buys from me?”
New Mindset (Opening Your Doors):
“I’m opening my doors by creating something meaningful. I’m inviting people into a space where they can find solutions, inspiration, or transformation.”
-
You’re Sharing Your Story or Personal Journey:
Old Mindset (Putting Yourself Out There):
“I don’t want to share my story because I’ll feel too exposed.”
New Mindset (Opening Your Doors):
“I’m opening my doors by sharing my journey in a way that can inspire or support others who might be going through something similar.”
How to Shift from “Putting Yourself Out There” to “Opening Your Doors”
Ready to reframe how you show up? Here’s how to start:
-
Define What You’re Offering
What are you “opening your doors” for? Be clear about what you’re inviting people into.
Ask Yourself:
- What value, service, or experience am I offering?
- How will others benefit from walking through my doors?
-
Set Boundaries (You’re Still in Control)
Opening your doors doesn’t mean you’re “available” 24/7 or have no boundaries. You decide when and how your doors are open.
Ask Yourself:
- What feels sustainable for me?
- How can I open my doors while protecting my energy and well-being?
-
Shift Your Language (Words Matter)
Catch yourself when you start to say:
- “I’m putting myself out there.”
Replace it with:
- “I’m opening my doors.”
Say it out loud and notice how much lighter and more empowering it feels.
-
Take the First Step (Open Your Doors Today)
You don’t have to open every door at once. Start with one small action:
- Post that blog or video.
- Share your work or story.
- Launch the business.
Your first “open door” doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to open.
Feel like exploring your true calling and true niche? Join my FREE community at community.truecallingtrueniche.com and download the first six chapters of my book True Calling True Niche.
The Bottom Line: You’re Not Begging for Approval—You’re Inviting People In
You’re not “putting yourself out there,” hoping someone will notice you. You’re opening your doors—creating a space where people can connect with you, learn from you, and be impacted by what you offer.
You’re not exposing yourself—you’re leading.
So, what door are you ready to open today?
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