Join Michelle and Nicola as they explore the gap between who you are and who you present yourself to be—and how to bridge it with small acts of courage.

KEY TOPICS:

The Confidence Gap • Why capable midlife women often show up smaller than they actually are • How life experience creates both competence and fear of visibility • The double-edged sword: more capable than ever, yet more hesitant to be seen

Where It Comes From • Childhood conditioning: "children should be seen and not heard" • Being rewarded for being agreeable throughout life • Generational patterns passed down from mothers and grandmothers • Life experiences that taught us it's risky to be visible when things go wrong

Signs You're Living in the Gap • Softening your opinions in meetings or staying silent when you have something to say • Recording videos but never posting them (or re-recording endlessly) • Avoiding photos and waiting until you've "lost weight" or "got that job" • Using "just" to diminish yourself: "I'm just a stay-at-home mom" or "I'm just a VA" • Wearing clothes that blend in rather than reflect your personality • Undercharging for your services or offering desperation discounts • Watching others take the space you should own

The Cost of Staying Small • Missed opportunities and serious FOMO • Being overlooked for work you know you could do better • Holding yourself back from the visibility your business needs • Second-guessing yourself constantly

Micro-Bravery: Small Steps to Close the Gap • Post your opinion on social media (nothing controversial, just authentic) • Update that profile photo you've been avoiding • Remove "just" and "should" from your vocabulary • Announce your plans publicly to create accountability • Start with small visibility wins before going live on Instagram • Wear that pop of color—even if it's just in a scarf or handbag • Remember: confidence comes AFTER doing the thing, not before

Key Insight: You don't have to be loud to be confident. Confidence is grounded, not shouty. Own your expertise and life experience.

Connect: 📧 studio@thereinventiondiaries.co.uk 📱 Instagram: @thereinventiondiaries

www.nicolaauckandphotography.co.uk www.mrsstylewright.com

Share your confidence gap story with us—we'd love to hear about a time you played small and what you did to step into your power.