Thread by @ShikhaJainMD

I want to share a brief reflection on perspective. A🧵 Many times in my life I have been told that I am too bubbly, too verbose, too excitable, too loud... too much. I have been told to speak softer, speak less, not show my enthusiasm, not show my excitement...its unprofessional.

I once attended a talk by the brilliant @LaurieBaedke who said (and I paraphrase here) "There are people who want you to put @SPANX your personality...those are not your people." We all nodded & applauded, but recently I had a moment that opened my eyes to what she really meant.

I was with some colleagues the other day, and we started talking about some of the initiatives I was working on @UICancerCenter @IMPACT4HC @WIMSummit and one of the women said "Do you see how excited she gets talking about this?! This is why we love working together!"

"She's so passionate about what she is working on. It comes through when she speaks."
Her words made me pause and think, how many times had I been told the exact opposite
I share this for a few reasons.

1. Don't let others muzzle who you are and what you are passionate about.

2. Take constructive criticism and use it to propel yourself forward, but don't let others opinions change who you are. Modifications are necessary moving through life, and leading. But don't let 1 persons opinion of what a leader looks like/how they're supposed to act define you

3. I have doubted myself more times then I can count. And I worry even now that I may come across as "too..." too excited, too young, too loud, too bossy, too much. It's ok to think about ways you can improve, but don't let anyone dim your passion.

Too many times women are told they are too...something and it is used as an excuse to pass them over for promotions, leadership opportunities, a path to advancement. Believe me when I tell you, you are not too anything. Different people will see you differently.

But don't let others discount you because they think you are "too" anything. There may be certain situations where you need to modify your approach, modify your language or your message based on who you are speaking with, but don't let that dim your light or your passion.

You are enough. Your energy and passion and drive and ambition to succeed will help move you forward. Exceptional leaders will read the room and temper their responses according to the audience at hand, but they do not lose who they are bc other people think they are too much.

Putting this out there for all of you #WomenInMedicine who didn't apply for the position, or put yourself out there because you were worried you would be seen as pushy, or bossy, or too aggressive. Trust your instincts, trust your gut, be confident in who you are, and go for it.