Why I’m Done Hiding: Embracing Authenticity and Letting Go of Fear

Nelson Mandela once said, “There is no passion to be found in playing small — in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” As an entrepreneur, this quote resonates deeply with me. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about people and even more about myself. One thing I’ve noticed about us, as humans, is that we tend to care far too much about what others think of us. While self-awareness is important, letting the opinions of others dictate our choices only holds us back from living our best lives.

We curate our lives for social media, presenting only what we think is acceptable or impressive. Social media has become a place of perfectionism, a highlight reel of our lives. We post only the best photos, share our achievements, and carefully craft captions that project a certain image. This curation creates an illusion that we are living a perfect life, when in reality, we are all just doing our best, navigating the ups and downs. Authenticity has become a rarity, so much so that when you encounter someone who is genuinely themselves, it’s like finding a unicorn. But there’s immense power in being unapologetically yourself. When you embrace who you truly are, your light shines, and you give permission for others to do the same. You become a beacon for others who are tired of living in the shadows of expectations.

For a long time, I played small because of the fear of judgment. I didn’t like the idea of someone from my past — maybe a person who sat behind me in high school — stumbling across my social media and judging me. So, I did just enough to stay under the radar. But the truth is, playing small serves no one, especially not yourself. By hiding, you deny the world the gift of your uniqueness, your voice, and your potential. Worse, you deny yourself the opportunity to grow, to learn, and to live fully.

Think about it: How often have you held back from sharing something you’re proud of or pursuing something you’re passionate about because you were afraid of what others might think? Maybe you’ve stayed in a job you hated because you didn’t want people to question your decision to leave. Maybe you’ve avoided starting a business because you feared failure and the inevitable judgments that come with it. But here’s the thing: Those opinions don’t define you. Your life is yours to live, not theirs.

As I head into 2025, I’m committed to embracing spontaneity. I’ve come to realize that when you step outside the box and let go of judgment, that’s when the real you shines. The last quarter of 2024 has been a wake-up call for me. A few health scares, a few setbacks, and plenty of reminders that our time here is limited. So, why would I continue to hide my potential? Why would I let the fear of what others think hold me back?

I’ve also realized that we give far too much weight to the opinions of people who don’t matter. Are those people paying my bills? Are they living my life? Do they even know the real me? Probably not. And if they do, their opinions still aren’t my business. What others think of you is none of your business. The next time you’re at the grocery store, try asking the clerk, “Can I pay for my groceries with other people’s opinions?” See what they say. It sounds ridiculous, right? Because it is.

We need to stop living for other people’s approval. Approval is fleeting, and it’s impossible to please everyone. The truth is, the people whose opinions we fear are often dealing with their own insecurities, their own struggles, and their own self-doubt. They might project judgment onto others because they’re dissatisfied with their own lives. But why let that stop you from living yours?

It’s time to let go of judgment and fear. I’m stepping into 2025 with a renewed commitment to showing up more, doing more, and no longer playing small. If you have a business, shout about it from the mountaintop. Let the world know what you have to offer. People may look, they may point, and they may even laugh. But with persistence and the right actions, you will have the last laugh.

If death finds me unexpectedly, I want it to find me scaling a mountain, not hiding in the shadows of my potential. As Les Brown says, “When it’s my time to go, I want to slide into my casket worn out, saying, ‘Wow, what a ride!’” I don’t want to arrive with a well-preserved body. I want to live fully, and living fully means embracing the judgment that comes with it.

Here’s something else I’ve realized: The people you think are judging you? They’re not really thinking about you as much as you believe. Everyone is busy dealing with their own lives. Sure, someone might pass a judgmental comment or give you a strange look, but how long will they dwell on it? A minute? Maybe two? And then they move on to the next thing. We’re all wrapped up in our own worlds. And if they are judging you, who cares? As long as you’re out here doing your best, living your best life, and treating people well, what they think doesn’t matter. They’re spectators on the sidelines while you’re in the ring.

Live to your full potential, because that’s the only way to truly honor the time you have. Playing small is a disservice not only to yourself but to the world. We need more people who are willing to take risks, show up authentically, and pursue their dreams fearlessly. Imagine what the world would look like if everyone stopped hiding. Imagine how much more vibrant, creative, and inspiring life would be if we all showed up as our true selves.

So, why hide? Why dim your light when you were meant to shine? The world needs what only you can offer. Step into the fullness of who you are, and don’t let the fear of judgment hold you back. Let’s make 2025 the year we stop playing small and start living boldly, unapologetically, and authentically. Because life is too short to live any other way.

Happy new year!

Peace and love

Andrew Tremendous Jones