Okay, so, today I wanted to talk about this thing I’ve been dealing with – being the “squeaky wheel,” you know? Like, the one who needs to speak up to get noticed. It’s not always easy, but I’ve been working on it.
So, here’s the deal. I’ve always been on the quieter side. Not really one to make a big fuss about things. But lately, I’ve realized that sometimes, if you don’t speak up, you just get overlooked. It’s like, if you’re not making noise, people assume everything’s fine, right?
I started this whole thing by, well, just noticing that I was feeling a bit invisible. At work, during meetings, I’d have ideas but I just wouldn’t say them. And at home, I’d just go along with whatever everyone else wanted, even if it wasn’t what I really wanted to do.
So, I decided I had to change something. I started small. Like, at work, I forced myself to speak up at least once during each meeting. Even if it was just a small comment or question. It was super uncomfortable at first, my heart would be racing and I’d feel like everyone was staring at me. But I kept doing it.
- Made myself a promise: I told myself I’d say something, anything, in every meeting. No more silence.
- Started with questions: Instead of trying to come up with brilliant ideas, I just asked questions. It was a good way to get involved without feeling too much pressure.
- Took notes: I started writing down my thoughts and ideas during discussions. This way, I had something concrete to refer to when I wanted to speak.
- Practiced at home: I started voicing my opinions more at home, even on small things like what to have for dinner or what movie to watch.
- Celebrated small wins: Every time I spoke up, I gave myself a little pat on the back. It helped me build confidence.
Here’s what I actually did:
Then, at home, I started expressing my preferences more. Like, if my family was deciding on something, I’d actually say what I wanted, instead of just going along with the majority. It was weird at first, for them and for me. But it got easier.
And you know what? It’s actually been working. People are starting to listen to me more. My ideas are getting heard, and I feel like I’m actually contributing. It’s not like I’m suddenly the loudest person in the room, but I’m definitely not invisible anymore.
It’s still a work in progress, and there are days when I still feel like shrinking back into my shell. But I’m learning that it’s okay to be a squeaky wheel sometimes. It’s okay to need attention and to ask for what you want. And honestly, it feels pretty good to be heard.
So, yeah, that’s my little journey of becoming a squeaky wheel. It’s not glamorous, but it’s real, and it’s making a difference in my life. Maybe it can help someone else out there who’s feeling a little too quiet, too.
