Do it Scared

My parents would always say that I started speaking later than most. They loved to mention it when they wanted to boast to others about personal achievements I've always thought were lacking. When I told people I wanted to take up Legal Management in college, I received silent criticism, especially about how I would be able to express myself in recitations, since I'm perceived as verbally reserved by those I meet for the first time. I grew up with a bad stutter, often getting called bulol in elementary school, and I always believed that this was one of the reasons why I couldn't speak articulately. The thought that I spoke late and stuttered must have greatly affected my communication, even up until now.

My first semester in college already had a subject that involved recitations, Obligations and Contracts. That was the first time I would stand in class, trying to look my professor in the eye while he asked the question, which, until now, I cannot bring myself to remember because of the overwhelming anxiety my body almost succumbed to in that moment. Miraculously (at least for me), I was able to answer with ease despite the stutters and uhms that came out of my mouth during the recitation. Ever since getting through that moment, I began exposing myself further to roles that would push me to coordinate with other people, and eventually to try leading my peers. I did get that honor. I had the privilege of filling organizational positions that required me to hone my communication and leadership skills, and they are undoubtedly among the most life-changing experiences that shaped my humanity.

The reason I hold this story close to my heart is that I thought I could never be capable of leading, due to the difficulties I experienced with my speech and the anxiety that stems from it. Now, although I still stutter from time to time and remain verbally reserved at first, I know that daring to try was both possible and fulfilling. People were right to say, do it scared. The fact that you do it scared means that you care about making things right. Going out of your comfort zone as a reluctant speaker may not remove the barriers, like stuttering, that make you hesitant.

But research backs up the value of quiet resolve. Studies have challenged the assumption that the most effective leaders are those who are widely outspoken or extraverted.

In fact, those who prioritize listening over talking tend to build more resilient, proactive teams. Leadership does not need you to be a person who spews out a mouthful of words without filter, handing out empty promises to people who depend on you.

Most of the time, leadership would much rather you be someone who thinks before they speak, and, above all, someone who is humble.